Moving to more respectful workplaces in Manitoba

Today I introduced Bill 219, a bill which provides a framework for Manitoba workplaces to be more respectful, and to have fewer problems with bullying, harrassment and violence in the workplace. It is a bill which follows on legislation in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. At this point Manitoba does not have similar legislation, and I continue to have people coming to me because they have suffered from bullying, intimidation and harrassment in the workplace.

I first introduced this type of legislation several years ago ( see http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2006_03_05_archive.html . At the time the NDP rejected it because they said their approach was doing the job. Sadly, this has not been the case, as more and more people have come forward to me after problems with bullying and harrassment in the workplace.

This bill is an important one. Creating more respectful workplaces is a win-win for workers and for employers. Reducing bullying and harrassment in the workplace improves the workplace environment and improves productivity. It increases job satisfaction for workers. For employers it helps to keep skilled workers and it saves dollars by improving productivity and increasing worker satisfaction and worker retention.

To see the full text of Bill 219, go to
http://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/39-4/b219e.php

Thank you to Judi Daly (photo with me above) who has provided help and support in bringing this bill forward. To join Judi's facebook group "Manitobans for Respectful Workplaces", and see the latest information on this topic, please go to

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=198094412856

Also of interest is the following blog: http://respectfulworkplace.wordpress.com/about/