Workplace harassment/bullying

[electricblack]

Does anyone here work for ONA (Ontario Nurses' Association)? I just have some inquiry about a situation that I've had the last few days with a colleague and am unsure of what to do. I can't be too sure if I was bullied by two staff or I was at a wrong in this situation and need someone's perspective in the matter...someone who is well versed with the Union Rules regarding workplace harassment.

In desperate need of help... an IM would be great Thank you.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Canadian forum

Have you tried speaking to your union rep?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

You will come across workplace conflict throughout your career, the only thing you can change is your own response. If you file a greivance with ONA, you will learn the hard way, that a complaint against colleagues increases adversarial relationships. You are better off learning how to communicate calmly and assertively with irritating people. For ideas on how to recognize and manage conflict, suggest you read RNAO's healthy work environment best practice guidelines, 'Managing and Mitigating Conflict in Health-care Teams' 2012, (a free download of the guideline is on RNAO's website).

[loriangel14, RN]

Have you spoken to your manager? Most employers will have a policy regarding harrassment inthe work place. I am currently dealing withthtis and there should be a process for resolution. If you feel that you have been bullied or harrassed then you have been If that's how they made you feel then the intent is irrelevant. you also need to speak with your union rep.

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

If you would like solid advice talk to your union rep. If you would to vent and get advice to take with a grain of salt, but maybe feel better, post it here.

If you 'think' your being bullied you may be making a mountain out of a mole hill. It is often better to just do your best and help your colleagues out with a big fat smile on your face, even if you know they are talking about you behind your back. Many places have an employee assistance program witch offers some counselors to talk to as well.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Seek out your union delegate and have a face to face meeting with her/him. You could go on their website and speak to someone in the area office and find out specific names if you do not know anyone.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Interesting that those who recommend seeking union advice are not ONA members, this may be based on an assumption that the reps have the knowledge and skill to mediate conflict effectively, but as an ONA member I can say that this not the case. I'm familiar with how the reps are trained and the grievance process, it is more adversarial than outsiders realize.

[loriangel14, RN]

I am going through this now. My Union rep provides the support but management and HR are handling the process.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

@lori, what steps are management and HR taking? are they providing conflict resolution training for staff?

[loriangel14, RN]

They have taken a statement from me and interviewed witnesses. I have provided copies of my own notes as I was documenting her behaviour.We have a meeting coming up with HR, my manager and 2 union reps. I have been told that she will likely get a letter on her file and a suspension based on the investigation.

This isn't conflict. This is harassment and bullying.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

I see it is in the reactive stage of the harassment/bullying complaint, once the disciplinary action is completed, are HR and management planning to be proactive and provide inservices to staff on managing workplace conflict and anti-bullying/ anti-harassessment strategies?

[loriangel14, RN]

We already had those education days.