Anti-Harassment Statement

BC Carpenters believe that every individual has the right to dignity, respect and fair treatment within the union and in the workplace.

We need the cooperation of all Local Union members to help create a workplace environment free of harassment. So that’s why the union has an anti-harassment policy.

The policy calls on us to inform people at the start of every union function that we want to keep the session harassment-free. If we want to eradicate the problem of harassment in our workplaces and in society at large, we must first set an example right here in the union.

Harassment is not a joke. It is cruel and destructive behaviour that can have devastating effects. It creates feelings of unease, humiliation and discomfort. Harassment, by co-workers in particular, is contrary to our basic union principles of solidarity and equality and the Carpenters Union finds any such behavior unacceptable and intolerable.

Harassment can take a number of forms: sexual, racial or personal. It is an expression of perceived power and superiority by the harasser(s) over another person, usually for reasons over which the victim has little or no control: sex, race, age, creed, colour, marital status, sexual preference, disability, political or religious affiliation, or place of national origin.

Harassment is any form of behavior that is threatening or offensive to the person to whom it is being addressed.

Complaints of harassment will be taken seriously and will be investigated immediately. Every function or course sponsored by the BC Carpenters Union will designate a representative(s) for that event . The representative(s) will make a speedy, confidential and thorough investigation of any incident and will attempt to resolve the issue.

If the complaint is found to be justified, action will be taken against the harasser and a written report will be made to the appropriate officer. Action could include, but is not limited to: apology, reprimand and possible expulsion from the union event.