support
the dignity at work act
(dawa)
It is illegal to harass people based on their protected status of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, etc. However, it is currently within the law to work under conditions that violate the fundamental human right to dignity.
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This legislation is a measure to protect individuals from the devastating impact of workplace bullying and promote a more professional environment.
Proposed definition for
anti-bullying legislation:
"Abusive conduct" means conduct of an employer or employee in the workplace that a reasonable person would find hostile. Abusive conduct includes, but is not limited to: verbal or physical conduct that a reasonable person would find threatening, intimidating, or humiliating; the gratuitous sabotage or undermining of an employee's work performance; attempts to exploit an employee's known psychological or physical vulnerability; or repeated infliction of verbal abuse, such as the use of derogatory remarks, insults, and epithets.
The determination of whether abusive conduct is present shall include the severity, nature and frequency of the conduct, and, where applicable, the continuation of the conduct after the employee requests that it cease or demonstrates outward signs of emotional or physical distress in the face of the conduct.
A single act shall not constitute abusive conduct unless it is especially severe. Conduct shall not be regarded as abusive conduct if an employer provides clear and convincing proof that the conduct is necessary for the furtherance of the employer's legitimate and lawful business interest.
