Do you feel safe at work?
January 8, 2014
Article originally published in the Fall 2013 issue of the Unifor Health, Safety & Environment Newsletter
Kesang KashiUnifor Local 4004 / Council 4000
By Kesang Kashi
We all want to feel safe at work. Unfortunately, that is not often the case. In fact, an increasing number of violent incidents are being reported.
As an onboard service employee at VIA Rail Canada, I have been a victim of workplace violence. The aggressors were passengers that were verbally abusive and at one time physically violent. This has made me examine the workings of the system set up to handle such a situation from the inside. The experience was a real wake up call. I had always thought of myself as a strong modern woman. Being a victim put into light a vulnerable side that I did not expect at a professional level. I went through a range of emotions associated with victims: loss, vulnerability, inequity, guilt, anger and injustice.
Having met many colleagues who have also been victims of workplace violence, I know that most incidents go unreported. Victims feel that it is a sign of weakness and that they failed at controlling the situation. Many do not want to be labeled a “troublemaker” or a “snitch” so they keep quiet, hoping the problem will go away. It does not. In fact, it makes it worse by undermining a healthy work environment. Bullying and aggressive behavior feed on ignorance and fear. It takes courage to denunciate and to speak out. We cannot remain silent witnesses. That culture has to change.
We all want to feel safe at work. Unfortunately, that is not often the case. In fact, an increasing number of violent incidents are being reported.
As an onboard service employee at VIA Rail Canada, I have been a victim of workplace violence. The aggressors were passengers that were verbally abusive and at one time physically violent. This has made me examine the workings of the system set up to handle such a situation from the inside. The experience was a real wake up call. I had always thought of myself as a strong modern woman. Being a victim put into light a vulnerable side that I did not expect at a professional level. I went through a range of emotions associated with victims: loss, vulnerability, inequity, guilt, anger and injustice.
Having met many colleagues who have also been victims of workplace violence, I know that most incidents go unreported. Victims feel that it is a sign of weakness and that they failed at controlling the situation. Many do not want to be labeled a “troublemaker” or a “snitch” so they keep quiet, hoping the problem will go away. It does not. In fact, it makes it worse by undermining a healthy work environment. Bullying and aggressive behavior feed on ignorance and fear. It takes courage to denunciate and to speak out. We cannot remain silent witnesses. That culture has to change.
As a member of the Health and Safety Committee, I investigated many different cases. I understand the importance of establishing the root causes and following up with useful recommendations. Without data to give us a better idea of the reality we work in, we cannot pressure the employers for solutions. For example, the internal investigation of my violent incident with an aggressive passenger led to a couple of positive changes. The employer followed recommendations that posters be put up and that public announcements onboard trains were added saying that violence will not be tolerated. If all we have are concerns that are left unanswered, we have a very volatile situation. Workplace violence will not be resolved without the cooperation of both sides coming to the table to find clear and practical solutions.
The responsibility of providing a safe environment is a shared one with our employer. Keeping track of passengers traveling is an essential part of the process. This can only be accomplished by making it mandatory to show IDs when purchasing and validating tickets and by putting aggressive passengers on a list (similar to the airline’s “No-Fly List”). Our employer owes it to the employees and the passengers to provide a safe mode of transportation. With today’s technology, it is difficult to understand the absence of such a program.
How do we feel safe at work? Essentially, it is by knowing that the structure is in place to provide an environment that protects its employees. We can achieve this by supporting each other and being vigilant about taking a stand against violence.
Related: Can work be safe when home isn't? Participate in the first ever nationwide survey on domestic violence in Canadian workplaces
The responsibility of providing a safe environment is a shared one with our employer. Keeping track of passengers traveling is an essential part of the process. This can only be accomplished by making it mandatory to show IDs when purchasing and validating tickets and by putting aggressive passengers on a list (similar to the airline’s “No-Fly List”). Our employer owes it to the employees and the passengers to provide a safe mode of transportation. With today’s technology, it is difficult to understand the absence of such a program.
How do we feel safe at work? Essentially, it is by knowing that the structure is in place to provide an environment that protects its employees. We can achieve this by supporting each other and being vigilant about taking a stand against violence.
Related: Can work be safe when home isn't? Participate in the first ever nationwide survey on domestic violence in Canadian workplaces
