Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination
Workplace harassment and discrimination are serious issues that can affect the well-being and morale of QCCC members. QCCC employers are responsible for preventing and addressing these workplace issues and protecting employees from harm or retaliation. Therefore, Members need to know how to address these issues effectively and prevent them from escalating. Here are some steps Members can take to deal with workplace harassment and discrimination:
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Know your rights and responsibilities.
- Members have the right to work in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, free from any form of harassment and discrimination based on their characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Members also have the responsibility to respect the rights and dignity of others and to report any incidents of harassment or discrimination they witness or experience.
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Speak up.
- If you feel that someone is harassing or discriminating against you or someone else, do not ignore it or hope it will go away. Speak up and let the person know their behaviour is unacceptable and unwelcome. You can do this directly or indirectly, depending on your comfort level and the situation. For example, you can tell the person to stop, walk away, ask for help from a colleague or steward, or document the incident.
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Report the incident.
- If speaking up does not stop the harassment or discrimination, or if you are uncomfortable doing so, you should report the incident to your QCCC representative. The QCCC will request a copy of your employer's Harassment and Discrimination policy, guide you through the reporting steps, and hold the employer accountable should they not follow their policies. You should provide as much detail as possible about what happened, when, where, who was involved, and how it affected you. You should also record your report and any follow-up actions your employer took.
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Seek support.
- Dealing with workplace harassment and discrimination can be stressful and emotionally draining. You should not have to cope with it alone. Seek support from your friends, family, co-workers, or professional counsellors who can offer you advice, empathy and encouragement. The QCCC also provides an Employee and Family Assistance Program through the NDT Industry Benefits Plan.
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Know your options.
- If your employer does not take appropriate action to address the harassment or discrimination, or if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your report, please seek further advice through your QCCC Representative.
For members in the Pacific and Prairie Regions, please get in touch with the Western Zone office or email western@qcccanada.com
For members in the Central, Atlantic, and Quebec regions, please get in touch with the Eastern Zone office or email eastern@qcccanada.com
Please note that all information provided is confidential, and the QCCC will not share your information without your permission.
