The Institute applauds the introduction earlier this week of Bill C-65, the federal government’s long-awaited legislation addressing workplace harassment and violence. For years, PIPSC advocated for the government to recognize and tackle this issue of critical importance to Canadians everywhere.

The Bill cannot come at a more opportune time for our members. The latest annual survey of the public service shows a rise in workplace harassment and a significant rate of workplace stress. One-third of public service workers (34%) said their workplace stress was “high” or “very high”. A similar number of respondents (27%) felt that their workplace was not “psychologically healthy.” The percentage of workers who said they have been harassed at work was up to 22% from 19% in 2014. The results were even higher for equity groups, with the highest rates of harassment (40%) being reported by workers with disabilities. Aboriginal workers also reported high rates of harassment (33%).

The new legislation covers federally-regulated workplaces, including the public service. Changes being proposed to the Canada Labour Code include repealing weak provisions and ensuring that employers are required to take steps to prevent and protect employees against these behaviours, to respond to them when they do occur, and to offer support to those employees affected by them.

The government will also launch an awareness campaign to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes, develop sample policies for employers, and will provide outreach to help employees and employers navigate the process.

While the Bill is a step in the right direction, PIPSC will be working with the government to ensure the legislation addresses its members’ concerns when it comes to ensuring their workplaces are harassment-free, and that adequate/appropriate recourse is available to harassment victims so that their complaints are addressed promptly and fairly.

As well, the legislation needs to provide an inclusive definition of “harassment” that reflects all its forms. If labour inspectors are involved, there must be adequate staffing and training. Finally, the legislation must ensure that those affected have the right to representation and information about the progress of their complaint.

We will update members as C-65 makes its way through the legislative process.

Attention News/Assignment Editors:

Media Advisory

For immediate release

PIPSC President Debi Daviau to Issue Statement on Phoenix, the Federal Government’s Troubled Pay System

Ottawa, November 10, 2017 – On Tuesday, November 14, Debi Daviau, President of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) will hold a press conference on Parliament Hill about the troubled Phoenix pay system and outline a key demand of the government.

Since the new payroll system was rolled out in February 2016, more than half of federal public servants have experienced ongoing pay problems, including being underpaid, overpaid or not paid at all. The Liberal government pledged to fix the problem for good by the end of October 2016, but has long since missed that self-imposed deadline.

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Place: National Press Theatre, 150 Wellington St, Ottawa

Speakers:

• Debi Daviau, President, PIPSC
• Stéphane Aubry, Vice-President, PIPSC                                   

PIPSC represents some 55,000 public-sector scientists and other professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government.

Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter (@pipsc_ipfpc).

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For further information:  

Johanne Fillion, 613-228-6310, poste 4953 or 613-883-4900 (cell.)