Tag Archives: Subfeature

Unions join fight to stop bully bosses…

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Have city workers in Norfolk, Virginia find a solution to clean up toxic workplaces.  Is this something you can replicate?  Maybe, with a little help from your union…

[ABC WVEC.com David Ham full article and video]  NORFOLK  — A new workplace bullying policy is being developed for nearly 4,000 city employees.

The new policy would include workplace bullying in its harassment policy.

City workers say bullying has been an increasing problem throughout all departments.

“In some cases, supervisors may just have it in for somebody and then they tend to try to find every little thing they can write them up for,” said Jane Bethel, president of NAGE Local 200.

Assistant city manager Melanie Purcell says she’s drafting the new policy to let all employees know what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable.

“Bullying is characterized by intimidation- both physical and mental intimidation actions that would make someone uncomfortable, and it’s persistent,” said Purcell.

While she’s drafting the new policy, Purcell has suspended all disciplinary actions until each case can be reviewed again.

The new policy is expected to be formally announced to all employees in June.

Myth Busting: Same-Sex Harassment is not always legal!

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Lately  a slew of  major newspaper and television news stories have  highlighted woman on woman bullying.  Almost all of them quote advocates who say that “status blind” harassment is legal.  But, that’s not always true.  If a woman can prove that, as surveys show, she’s being singled out by a female boss because the bully feels more comfortable harassing women than men  then she may well have a claim under Sexual Harassment.    Why is it so important for advocates to keep the message as pure as possible?  While dramatic messages sell papers, books, and can propel the agenda of a cause it can also unfairly limit the needed information that traumatized victims/targets receive.   ALWAYS speak with an attorney to understand the options that may or may not be open to you. Continue reading →

EEOC Takes Aim at Age Discrimination!

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It’s important to know your rights…in many cases bullying IS already illegal

[Press Release from EEOC]

EEOC Explores Plight Of Older Workers In Current Economic Climate

Commission Hears Poignant Testimony of Employee Discharged After 31 Years, Panelists Discuss Scope of Age Discrimination

WASHINGTON— At a meeting held today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission heard testimony that age discrimination is causing the nation’s older workers to have a difficult time maintaining and finding new employment, a problem exacerbated by the downturn in the economy. The number and percentage of age discrimination charges filed with the EEOC have grown, rising from 16,548 charges — 21.8 percent of all charges — filed in fiscal year 2006, to 22,778 —24.4 percent — in fiscal year 2009.  Continue reading →