Tag Archives: video

A plea to fellow fighters of Workplace Bullying

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I became a co-founder of the fledgling cyber-group called the International Educational Coalition on Workplace Bullying. I’m excited that the Coalition allows me to join so many others in freely promoting critical discussion, context and analysis of all the research taking place and how it impacts the overall understanding and  prevention of hostile work environments.  Everyone visiting our Facebook Page is encouraged to add their own opinion and approach.  Do I personally agree with everyone who posts on the site? No, and I’m proud to say that even the three of us who originally founded the IECWB don’t agree on all aspects of the issue and encourage everyone visiting the site to have that same healthy discourse. Our International focus has allowed different perspectives, coupled with personal experiences, to come together on one page.  It’s been eye opening to see how even countries with Workplace Bullying legislation in place are still struggling to define the best resolutions.

We bring together psychologists, lawyers, researchers, business & Human Resource representatives, advocates and victims to create a forum for all our voices.  And, there are so many things to discuss, below is just a sampling:

Support of strong Workplace Violence legislation that includes Workplace Bullying (Type 3 Workplace Violence) and making the link to Type 4 which includes Domestic Violence in the workplace as well as specific issue Workplace Bullying bills

Strengthening OSHA health harming protections

Strengthening Workers Compensation and how it can help targets currently suffering

Exploring Arbitration, ADR & Mediation as a way for targets to find relief

Putting aside the demonization of HR and Business owners and creating a true dialogue with those that want to support us

Discussing the types of policies and approaches that are actually effective and encourage a healthy workplace that discourages bullying behavior.

Staying current with evolving research in PTSD, Stress, Anxiety Disorders

Please take a moment to visit the IECWB site to find information, share information, and join the global discussion.

Here’s a link to our Press Release if you are interested in learning more about the IECWB. http://prlog.org/10829919

Documentary features NY fight for Workplace Bullying Law

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Several major publications have recently posted articles on the topic…hopefully this means victims will start getting the attention they deserve and a better law.   As someone whose life was turned upside down by an abusive boss all I can say is — it’s about TIME.  I’ve been making documentaries for 20 years that have been well received at major film festivals and on TV (HBO, PBS etc).  Last year I launched an online documentary about the struggle to pass legislation to stop abusive bosses.  This is probably the hardest of all the topics I’ve taken on.  The stigma attached to victims makes it difficult for people to take seriously.   And the mainstream press rarely goes beyond the “go to” sites to do some real in depth reporting…it’s much more complicated than the ‘branding’ that’s out there.

(Click here to see videos)

There Is Hope After The Bully Is Gone And Other Resolutions For The New Year

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Midnight is just a few hours away.  It will signal the start of a brand spanking new decade.  Yeah!  That time can’t tick by quickly enough because this particular celebration is really precious to me.  The list of things I am grateful to leave behind include financial losses, family illnesses, broken arms, surgery and being evacuated from my home barely two blocks North of the World Trade Center as I stood by helplessly watching as thousands died.   It took years to recover but I did.  And, shortly after I finally breathed a guilty survivor’s sigh of relief, I suddenly found myself working for a vicious and abusive boss who brought me to my knees.  Once again I’ve moved on and rebuilt my life and – although I bristle when other people say this – I have indeed made lemonade out of lemons by making this site that includes the videos already posted, those in progress,  and meeting all of you.   Continue reading →

NY GOV KILLS HOSTILE WORKPLACE BILL!

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Governor Paterson's Veto Memo

Governor Paterson's Veto Memo

[New York] If you’re sitting in a cubicle popping anti-depressants and hiding from a toxic boss your wait for legal protection just got longer.

On August 11th,  Governor Paterson vetoed S1948, a bill to study hostile workplaces citing the $366,000 cost amendment tagged on by NY’s Dept of Labor.

I spoke with DOL Counsel, Maria Colavito before the veto and she said the DOL would have to hire staff to conduct studies.  When I asked why they would need to conduct studies since this topic has already been researched pretty extensively for decades she voiced concern that the bill would replicate the 5 year NIOSH study currently underway.

Colavito gave me the contact info for Matt London of PEF who is deeply involved in creating policy for NY’s newly enacted Workplace Violence prevention law which protects employees in the public sector.  Type 3 Workplace Violence — worker on worker — does include workplace bullying.  Great news for public employees but no help at all for those in the private sector terrified of going to work each day and precisely the employees S1948 was expected to help.

London said that he would be happy to share data currently being gathered in NY agencies in the NIOSH study and expects it to be available in September.   It would certainly seem that this would reduce the need for any new studies or data gathering as well as impact the cost of hiring additional employees by the DOL.  And, it could also mean the DOL could meet their one year turn around deadline by concentrating on how this data reflects hostile workplaces right here in NY by holding public hearings and forums — not unlike the ones they held for the workplace violence bill.

Still not convinced?  Compare the estimated $366,000 price tag to the monetary award in last year’s landmark “workplace bully” lawsuit in Indiana.  The abused worker won a $325,000 judgment.

Research shows that each abusive boss creating a hostile workplace may cost $83,000.  This does NOT factor in the high $$ impact on the victim’s health insurance OR the loss of income during today’s economic cri$i$. [Mattice]


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Add your own state to fight for a law against Workplace Bullying!

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Can everyone please sign the petition my niece was involved in creating? She works for Care2 and I can’t tell you how incredibly moved I am that she is able to help provide a powerful vehicle to address this issue. The distinctions between the HWB & the Study Bill are a bit off but it came from a sincere and loving heart that just wanted to help all of us victims. And, honestly who really cares? The message is loud and clear: Bullying in the workplace is wrong and this country should prevent it.

Her Mom [my sister] spent endless long distance hours on the phone supporting me through my own horrific experience when I was being destroyed by a relentlessly abusive boss. My sister even flew out during that time because she was so concerned what I might do. Their experiences coupled with that of my husband were my inspiration for telling Tracey’s video story the way I did. Sometimes I’m not sure which is worse — being the victim or standing helplessly by while someone you love is being totally destroyed. I’ve already posted the links below on my website, my Facebook page and have been posting on other people’s walls  that I know are sympathetic as well. Please, PLEASE pass on the petition info to as many people as you can!!!

Warmly,

— Bev

Beverly Peterson   http://NoJobIsWorthThis.com 347-229-6815

Sign Care2 Petition [Link]

Care 2 Blog [Link]


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Help Support NY Bill To Study Hostile Work Environments!

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>>One last email from you can help make this happen!<<


>We are down to the wire.  Yes the A2247b/S1948b bill to study hostile work environments passed BUT a veto from Governor Patterson will kill this study bill.

>Please tell the Governor that he needs to act now to stop the heavy damages on both victims’ health and the high cost to NY’s businesses.

>Research shows that each abusive boss creating a hostile workplace may cost $83,000.  This does NOT factor in the high $$ impact on the victim’s health insurance OR the loss of income during today’s economic cri$i$. [Mattice]

>The estimated price for the entire one year study may be less than the price tag of just 4 of these bully bosses. The New York Healthy Workplace Advocates (NYHWA.org) estimates that 1.4 million New York Employees are subjected to Workplace Bullying in the state on a regular basis.

>Don’t forget to reference “NY Bill S1948 to Study Hostile Work Environments” in your email.

> “I personally thank everybody for their support and believe that we would not have made it this far without them! It does not matter where you live or whether you know somebody who has been a taget in the workplace, our combined voices can make the difference for everybody.” — Tracey <


>>YES, I WANT TO VOICE MY SUPPORT OF A2247b/S1948b NOW [link]<<