Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue affecting a substantial number of employees in Vancouver. It is a type of misconduct that takes many forms, including verbal, physical, and psychological abuse.

Such harassment can have dire effects on an individual’s mental and emotional health, work performance, and overall quality of life.

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Understanding Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment, also known as workplace bullying, is any unwarranted, offensive, or humiliating conduct directed toward one or more employees in the workplace. It involves the use of words, gestures, or actions that are discriminatory, abusive, or threatening.

Verbal harassment, for example, may involve derogatory comments or jokes based on an individual’s race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Physical harassment may include unwanted touching, pushing, or even sexual assault, while psychological harassment can involve intimidation, threats, or bullying.

Dealing with Workplace Harassment in Vancouver

Types of Workplace Harassment

Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is one of the most common types of workplace harassment. It involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

A study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives shows that approximately 20% of women in Canada have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.

Racial Harassment: Racial harassment is a form of harassment that involves derogatory remarks, gestures, or actions towards an individual based on their race or ethnicity.

Statistics Canada indicates that racialized individuals are more likely to experience workplace harassment than their non-racialized counterparts.

Bullying: Workplace bullying is a pervasive problem that involves repeated and deliberate actions aimed at humiliating, intimidating, or belittling an employee.

A study by the Canadian Institute of Health Research indicates that approximately 40% of Canadian workers have experienced bullying in the workplace.

Recognizing Workplace Harassment

It is crucial to recognize the signs of workplace harassment and take action to address it. Here are some indications that an employee may be experiencing workplace harassment:

An employee is consistently excluded or ignored by colleagues or a supervisor.

The employee is subjected to offensive or derogatory remarks or gestures.

The employee experiences unwanted physical contact. An employee’s work performance significantly declines, such as a decrease in productivity or absenteeism.

Dealing with Workplace Harassment

If an employee experiences workplace harassment, several steps can be taken to resolve the situation:

Document the Harassment: Keep a record of any incidents of workplace harassment, including the date, time, and details of what occurred. This information may be useful if you decide to file a complaint.

Speak to the Harasser: In some cases, the harasser may not be aware that their behaviour is offensive. Speaking to them directly and letting them know how their behaviour is impacting you may be enough to resolve the issue.

Speak to Your Supervisor or HR Representative: If the harassment persists, speak to your supervisor or HR representative. They can provide support and guidance on how to address the situation.

File a Formal Complaint: If the harassment continues, you may need to file a formal complaint with your company’s HR department. This will initiate an investigation into the matter, and steps will be taken to address the issue.

Coping with the Aftermath of Workplace Harassment

Dealing with the aftermath of workplace harassment can be challenging. Here are some tips for coping with the aftermath:

Seek Support: Reaching out to friends, family, or a therapist for support can help you process your emotions and feel less alone.

Take Time Off: If necessary, consider taking some time off work to focus on your recovery.

Focus on Self-Care: Take care of yourself by engaging in activities that make you feel good, such as exercising, meditating, or spending time with loved ones.

Big Workplace Harassment Cases in Vancouver

Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue that can result in severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Several high-profile cases of workplace harassment in Vancouver, BC, have been reported in the media, highlighting the urgency of taking action against this issue.

City of Vancouver v. Farnum

In 2015, the City of Vancouver filed a lawsuit against Ray Farnum, a former employee, alleging that he had sexually harassed multiple female employees. The lawsuit stated that Farnum made inappropriate comments and engaged in unwanted touching toward the women over the course of several years.

The City of Vancouver’s lawsuit sought damages for the harm caused to the employees and punitive damages against Farnum. The case was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

The University of British Columbia- Steven Galloway Scandal

In 2015, allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against Steven Galloway, the former creative writing chair of UBC, surfaced after an anonymous complaint was filed with the university. The university launched an investigation into the allegations, which led to Galloway’s suspension from his position in November 2015.

In 2016, UBC terminated Galloway’s employment, citing a breach of trust. The case sparked a debate about the balance between privacy and transparency in workplace harassment investigations, with some arguing that privacy laws prevented the university from releasing the details of the allegations against Galloway.

Power Plant Boiler Services v. Alberta Human Rights Commission

Power Plant Boiler Services, a Vancouver-based company, was found guilty of racial harassment against Chi Yan Lam, an employee of Chinese descent, in 2013. The Alberta Human Rights Commission found that Lam was subjected to racist jokes and derogatory comments while working at the company.

The commission awarded Lam $30,000 in damages, including lost wages and damages for injury to his dignity and self-respect. The case emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the need to take appropriate action against harassment.

Unifor v. Coastal Pacific Xpress

In 2018, Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, filed a lawsuit against Coastal Pacific Xpress, a trucking company in Vancouver, alleging sexual harassment and discrimination against its female employees. The lawsuit claimed that the women were subjected to unwanted sexual advances, derogatory comments, and inappropriate touching.

The case highlighted the company’s failure to provide a safe and healthy work environment for its employees, including failing to address harassment complaints. The case is ongoing, and Unifor is seeking $50,000 in damages for each affected employee.

Anti-harassment policies

Workplace harassment is a serious issue that can cause lasting damage to individuals and organizations. Employers have a duty to prevent and address harassment in the workplace by implementing anti-harassment policies and providing training to employees on how to recognize and report harassment.

If you are experiencing workplace harassment, it is essential to speak up and seek help. There are resources available, including support from human resources, trade unions, and legal aid. Together, we can work towards creating a safe and inclusive work environment that respects the dignity of all employees.

What constitutes a hostile work environment in Vancouver?

A hostile work environment in Vancouver is a serious issue that can cause significant harm to employees. Discriminatory behaviour, harassment, bullying, and retaliation are some of the factors that can contribute to a hostile work environment.

Discrimination based on an employee’s personal characteristics, such as race, gender, or sexual orientation, can create a hostile work environment. According to a survey conducted by the BC Human Rights Commission, one in four BC workers has experienced discrimination at work, with women, Indigenous people, and racialized individuals being the most affected.

Harassment can take many forms, including physical, verbal, and sexual harassment. A survey by the Canadian Labour Congress found that 60% of women and 30% of men have experienced harassment at work. Workplace harassment in Vancouver can cause serious emotional distress and even physical harm to employees.

Coping with bullying

Workplace bullying, which involves repeated and intentional behaviour aimed at intimidating, humiliating, or belittling an employee, can create a hostile work environment. According to a study by the University of British Columbia, 45% of Canadian employees have experienced bullying at work.

Retaliation against an employee who has filed a complaint or spoken out against discriminatory or harassing behaviour can also contribute to a hostile work environment. A report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that 70% of women who reported sexual harassment at work experienced retaliation.

To prevent and address a hostile work environment, employers should have comprehensive anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and procedures in place. Employers should provide training to their employees on how to recognize and report harassment and provide support to victims of harassment.

According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, only 32% of US organizations provided training on how to prevent workplace harassment.

Guidance on how to address the situation

Employees who feel that they are experiencing a hostile work environment should speak up and seek help. They can speak to their supervisor, human resources, or a trade union representative for support and guidance on how to address the situation. Employees can also seek legal assistance if they feel that their rights have been violated.

A hostile work environment in Vancouver can have severe consequences for individuals and organizations. It is essential for employers and employees to work together to prevent and address workplace harassment and discrimination to create a safe and inclusive work environment for everyone.

How do you report harassment in the Vancouver workplace?

You can report harassment to your employer’s human resources department or your supervisor. They should have a reporting process in place, and they are required to investigate and address any harassment complaints.

According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, approximately 60% of employers have a formal policy in place to deal with workplace harassment.

If you are a member of a union, you can contact your union representative for support and guidance on how to report harassment. They can provide assistance with filing a formal complaint and may be able to negotiate a resolution. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 31% of Canadian workers are members of a union.

Employment Standards Branch

External Reporting: If you are not comfortable reporting the harassment internally, or if your employer does not take appropriate action, you can contact external resources.

The BC Human Rights Clinic, WorkSafeBC, and the Employment Standards Branch are some of the resources that can provide support and guidance on how to report harassment. According to WorkSafeBC, there were 704 harassment and bullying claims reported in British Columbia in 2020.

If the harassment violates the law, you may want to consider seeking legal assistance. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and can assist you in filing a complaint or a lawsuit. According to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, there were 2,145 complaints of discrimination based on sex, race, and disability filed in Canada in 2020.

It’s important to note that reporting harassment can be a challenging process, and it’s essential to prioritize your safety and well-being.

Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed, and know that you have the right to a safe and respectful workplace. Taking action to report harassment can not only help you, but it can also create a safer workplace for everyone.

We hope you found this guide on workplace harassment in Vancouver helpful.

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Dealing with Workplace Harassment in Vancouver