Are you aware of the proposed Healthy Workplace Act coming up for this November 2007 election?

Question

I have recently written a book entitled, "Bullying In The Workplace" which includes true stories of people who were actually traumatized by being bullied on the job. The purpose of my book is to bring out the issue to the public's attention and help change the laws that govern being bullied or harassed on the job. There is currently a bill in the Legislature called "The Healthy Workplace Act."

Under the proposed bill an employer can be sued for alleged workplace bullying. An employee found guilty will be fined. The bill offers an affirmative defense to an employer who takes steps to resolve the problem if the employee rejects such an option.

The employee can also have a bullying complaint aired before a judge. However, taking that route prevents the employee from also filing suit.

My book: http://www.thedigitalword.com/bullying_nobles.htm

Contacts:

Senators

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Congresspersons

http://www.house.gov

Answer 1

Diane,

I think you are on to something, however, I have a few concerns with the bill that you may have already addressed but did not mention. When you are hired under "at will employment" you may win the battle but lose the war on bullying.  In this day and time being gainfully employed is a precious commodity and few in their right mind want to rock the boat and file a complaint.  

As you know the President and Congress have suspended Habeus Corpus, thus undermining what ever rights we think we have.  I know what this means and I will presume you do too, but many do not. After review of your link, your book is a worthwhile endeavor that seeks to empower a powerless constituency in the workplace.

Perhaps your next book can address school bullies and empowering families to address this important issue on school buses and playgrounds. I believe you will gain greater traction with the children on this issue and then the logical conclusion would be the adults.

As a thinking voter, I appreciate our work in this area and believe it to be important and worthy of public reception.

Best Wishes.

Answer 2

i think it's a slippery slope, no one likes to be bullied but by the same token how can anyone be expected to lead/manage with this hanging over their head...let's face it, human being get their feelings hurt

Answer 3

Usually, if a manager is actually bullying people, the HR department can be of help.  Also, (people will say I'm paranoid) I have noticed that when the standing president is a Democrat, this leadership style is not permitted in the workplace.  I base that opinion on having lived through 10 presidential administrations.  Leadership styles change with the change in political parties and is felt even at the very bottom.  That is one of the reasons I am a democrat.