TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor calls for all employers and employees to create and maintain mentally healthy workplaces. Recognizing the risks of mental illness, including depression, anxiety and stress, in the workplace is the first step to providing the information and support required to ensure that no one suffers in silence.
"The work environment plays a key role in maintaining positive mental health," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "In addition to offering support and treatment, we encourage companies to build a culture that promotes psychological health so all employees feel open to get help when needed."
Mental illness is the leading cause of workplace disability claims. During any given week 500-thousand Canadians are unable to work due to mental health problems.*
"Our understanding of occupational health and safety needs to go beyond physical safety," said Dias. "Mental health is just as important and can't be excluded or shoved to the side."
Unifor applauds the Bell 'Let's Talk' campaign, and all initiatives to raise awareness and funds in support of mental health programs. 'Let's Talk' is geared towards fostering a national conversation on mental health. On January 27th Bell will donate five cents for every text message sent and mobile or long distance call made (for Bell customers only), every tweet using #BellLetsTalk and every Facebook share of the Bell Let's Talk image. For more information visit http://letstalk.bell.ca
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers, including 29,100 health and social services sector workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.
*Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
SOURCE Unifor
please contact Unifor Communications National Representative Kathleen O'Keefe at [email protected] or (cell) 416-896-3303.
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