Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine (March 2017)
A group of thirteen Calgary Police Service (CPS) members has filed complaints of bullying and harassment against their employer.
The group is led by Constable Jen Magnus, a veteran of the CPS who publicly resigned from the force at a commission meeting on January 31, 2017, after accusing colleagues of harassing behaviour. The group alleges that the CPS “failed to provide a safe environment for certain employees, which has resulted in years of workplace bullying and harassment,” according to a joint media statement that the officers issued on February 21, 2017.
At a police news conference on February 21, 2017, CPS Chief Roger Chaffin told reported that the complaints were a “big, positive development” in addressing the alleged problem. “To start working through specific allegations is a really good step for us to start to create the organization that we are trying to here.”
Les Kaminski, the president of the Calgary Police Association, says that while there were likely “isolated incidents” of bullying and harassment within the CPS, he does not believe that the problem has ever been reflective of the entire police force. “In my 30-plus years as a police officer in Calgary, the vast majority of the people I have worked around are kind, solid, sincere people who come to work every day and treat people with respect and dignity.”
Kaminski stresses that his intention is not to minimize the allegation, noting that all organizations have always had challenges like this. “The difference is that now, in this day and age, these behaviours are recognized, revealed and are no longer tolerated.”
Chief Chaffin encourages other CPS members who have experienced harassment on the job to come forward. The service also plans to hie an external investigator to look into the allegations.
My opinion
The police forces, including the RCMP, have had a history of abuse, especially against women. The armed forces have also numerous complaints of sexual abuse or sexual harassment and this unsafe work culture, where ever it can be found, needs a swift kick in the backside and organizations must begin to follow legislation.
In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), sections 32.0.1 to 32.0.8, inclusive, deal with violence and harassment in the work-place.
In 2007, in Ontario, a collection of stakeholders were asked about the top workplace concerns that needed addressing. ‘Violence and Harassment’ was high on that list. New legislation was added in 2010, and updated a few times since.
Every provincial business MUST have a program dealing with Violence and another program dealing with Harassment. Ensure your company fulfills the requirements. Your workforce is entitled to a safe and a harassment free workplace.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.