12 Things You Can Do to Fight Violence in the Workplace

12 things you can do to fight violence in the workplace

Download a printable version of these tips.

1. Raise the profile of the issue

Post CUPE’s “It’s not part of the job” poster on union notice boards. We also have stickers and buttons you can order. 

• Download the poster
• Order the poster
• Order stickers
• Order buttons

2. Empower your members

Make sure they know their rights and understand the importance of reporting incidents – no matter how small. Remind them their union will be there for them.

• Download the Your four rights poster
• Order the Your four rights poster
• Download the response to violence checklist

3. Put it on the agenda

The employer has a responsibility to ensure a workplace free of violence. It’s our job to make sure they fulfill that obligation. Put the issue as a standing item on the agenda of health and safety committee meetings. If you don’t have a committee, establish one. If that isn’t enough, put it on the agenda for labour-management meetings, too.

4. Empower your health and safety committee

CUPE representatives on your joint health & safety committees have a big role to play in identifying workplace hazards that increase the risk of violence. Make sure they have the tools they need.

• Download the guide to preventing violence and harassment in the workplace

5. Provide training to your activists

Your health and safety committee can’t tackle this on their own. Make sure your local executive, stewards and other activists have the skills they need to help address concerns in the workplace.

• Browse CUPE Health and Safety workshops
• Find CUPE Education workshops in your area

6. Survey your members

The worst incidents of workplace violence are easy to spot, but your members can also be subject to incidents of smaller aggressions, harassment and violence that can go unreported. CUPE has tools to help you find out where and how your members are experiencing violence at work.

• Download the guide to conducting surveys on workplace violence

7. Conduct a workplace inspection

Noticed a spike of violent incidents? Your committee should conduct an inspection. We have a tool for that.  

• Download the violence hazard assessment checklist

8. Review the employer’s policies

Employers develop policies to address a lot of workplace matters. If yours has a policy on violence prevention, make sure it works for your members. CUPE has a guide that will help.

• Download the guide to developing a workplace violence prevention policy

9. Put it on the bargaining table

Review your collective agreement and make sure you have the best possible language to address workplace harassment, violence and related issues like staffing levels and working alone.

• Download Collective Bargaining Strategies to Prevent Workplace Violence 
• Download Stop Harassment: A Guide For Cupe Locals
• Download the Working Alone fact sheet

10. Partner with your employer 

Once your employer understands the seriousness of the issue, you might be able to work together. Consider partnering on training, communications to employees, and communications to the public (for example, using prominent signage) that lets people know that aggressive and violent behaviour will not be tolerated.

11. Lead by example

Conduct union business, including meetings, with respect and solidarity. CUPE’s Equality Statement and Code of Conduct can help.

• Download the Equality Statement
• Download the Code of Conduct

12. Campaign with community allies

Pressure governments to increase funding and restore public services. Staff shortages increase the risk of workplace violence.