Workplace Health and Safety

Canada’s unions call for better protections against workplace violence and harassment

April 23, 2018

This National Day of Mourning, Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to do more to address workplace violence and harassment.

Every April 28, Canada’s unions join workers and their families to mourn those who have been injured or killed on the job. Workplace violence and harassment have also led to worker deaths, as well as significant mental and physical injuries. Yet they are often less frequently talked about.

“Workplace harassment and violence are often overlooked hazards of the job,” said Hassan Yussuff, president of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “In the era of #metoo and #timesup, we need to talk about the negative, even deadly, impacts these hazards can have in the workplace.”

Canada has strong violence prevention regulations that were developed by unions, employers and the federal government working together in a tripartite process. Federal Bill C-65 promises to finally recognize sexual harassment as a workplace hazard.

However, workers are also calling for new measures:

  • First, to make it safe for workers to report harassment and violence by implementing anti-reprisal measures, including whistleblower protection;
  • Second, to ensure federal health and safety officers can be as effective as possible by hiring more officers and ensuring they receive the robust training they need;
  • And finally, to recognize domestic violence as a workplace hazard. This will raise awareness around the need for employers to conduct workplace risk assessments, training and safety planning, and to ensure supports are in place for workers experiencing domestic violence.

“We encourage the federal government to take meaningful steps to further protect workers from harassment and violence,” said Yussuff. “This impacts every sector.”

Supporters are encouraged to add their voice to this campaign at dayofmourning.ca. To find Day of Mourning events happening across Canada, visit the CLC website here.

  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada must address systemic racism and discrimination in the workforce

    March 21, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Pink Shirt Day: 2SLGBTQI+ kids should be free to be themselves

    February 28, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Statement by Bea Bruske: Canada’s unions are calling out Alberta Premier’s attempt to use trans and gender-diverse children, youth and adults to score political points

    February 1, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • CLC Executive Committee reiterates its support for ITUC’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

    January 16, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada’s unions: confronting hate is a shared responsibility

    December 10, 2023
    Click to open the link
  • Gender Equality
  • Never Again: Canada’s Unions Mark December 6 with Call to End Gender-Based Violence

    December 6, 2023
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Angelo Tocco – Winner of the 2023 Carol McGregor CLC Disability Rights Award

    December 3, 2023
    Click to open the link
  • Gender Equality
  • Violence and harassment should never be “just part of the job”

    November 25, 2023
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Trans Equality Now: Canada’s unions call for urgent action

    November 20, 2023
    Click to open the link