Publications

Sources of support and information

If you are concerned for your own or someone else’s immediate safety, call 911. General Community Resources All provinces and Territories have a 211 number for information about community and government services.  Hope for Wellness: 1 855 242 3310 (Counselling and crisis intervention for Indigenous peoples in Canada available via phone or chat found at https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/). Trans Lifeline: 1 877 330…

Dos and don’ts for union stewards, occupational health and safety reps and other union reps

Do ensure members are aware of the impacts of domestic violence at work and feel safe to reach out for support from their workplace and union. Don’t treat scenarios of domestic violence at work as topics for gossip and small talk amongst employees. Do ensure the person experiencing domestic violence feels they have control over what steps are taken. Don’t insist you know what’s best for the…

Who do you have to tell?

You have a right to privacy when it comes to your medical information. Even if you have to take time off work, your employer does not need to know your diagnosis, and neither do your co-workers. Of course, you will have to provide some information. If you need to take sick days or short-term leave, your doctor’s note specifying what…

Find out your options and benefits

Collective agreements vary a lot when it comes to health benefits. If you are not sure what is and isn’t covered by the benefits in your contract or your health plan, talk to your steward about understanding the benefits you can access to help you with your mental health issue. You may have a number of options available. Employee Assistance…

Approaching the employer

Mental illness or struggles with mental health can be overwhelming and confusing, and it is very helpful for members to have someone in the union to advocate for them. Here are a few things you can do to help: Encourage the member to see a doctor who can determine if they need some time off, or accommodations so they can…

Duty to accommodate and Workers’ Compensation

Under Canadian law and specifically duty to accommodate law, employers have to make every reasonable effort to accommodate workers with disabilities, including mental illness in the workplace. The member you are assisting may need accommodations in the workplace, so they can continue to do their job. Some people need permanent accommodations, but many people with mental health challenges will only…

If a member needs to take time off work…

Working when you are dealing with mental health challenges can be very difficult. It may also lead to other problems at work. If a member is feeling depressed and overwhelmed, for example, they may find themselves not responding at their usual speed, or falling farther behind in their work. Or they may simply be unable to face their regular tasks.…

Finding community resources

There are many groups that offer counselling and support. Family doctors can be a great source of information. Here are some other suggestions for where to look for help: Provincial & territorial health webpages provide links to mental health services – see these links in the Resource section of this website 211 service or http://www.ementalhealth.ca is available in some provinces…

How to have a conversation

It is very important to not sound negative or judgmental. You want to approach the member with openness and genuine caring, to find out how they are doing, and if you can help. Don’t make assumptions about how they are feeling or what they will find helpful.  Here are 5 steps (adapted from CUPE & the Canadian Mental Health Association)…

Mental Health Resource Centre

Index General Mental Health Information Community Training The National Standard on Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace Mental Injury Toolkit Accommodations for Workers with Mental Health Issues Provincial, Territorial and Community Mental Health Links Substance Use and Addictions Violence in the workplace Affiliate Union Resources Video Resources   General Mental Health Information Canadian Mental Health Association: Myths about mental…