OPSEU videos target workplace sexual harassment

TORONTO, April 14, 2016 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union has released a series of cutting-edge videos that continue its long-standing commitment to fighting sexual harassment in the workplace.  OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas will screen the videos this morning in front of more than 2,000 members at the union's annual convention in Toronto.

"The goal of these videos is both to educate people and to encourage them to speak up when they see harassment in the workplace," Thomas said. "It is not solely up to the victim to report an incident. We all have a responsibility to do something if we observe our co-workers being harassed in any way." 

The powerful and engaging videos are shot from three points of view – that of the perpetrator, the victim, and the bystander (click here to watch).  Hurtful workplace gossip is the subject of two more videos (click here).

"We produced these videos to raise awareness, to educate OPSEU staff, our members, and the general public, and to empower people to speak up," Thomas said. "I'm hoping these videos will be shared far and wide."

The union will hand out pink ribbons to members today to mark yesterday's International Day of Pink, held every year to raise awareness about bullying. It will also hand out teal ribbons to raise awareness about sexual harassment and sexual assault.

According to a survey conducted by Angus Reid, 43 per cent of Canadian women say they have been sexually harassed at work.  "Two thirds of our 130,000 members are women," said Thomas.  "We take any threat to women's well-being very seriously.  Whether it's fighting sexual harassment in the workplace or challenging the gender wage gap, OPSEU is committed to advocating for the rights of all women."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Warren (Smokey) Thomas 613-329-1931