Workplace Violence Policy and Program
Adopted on September 25, 2014
Approval Authority: CUASA Council, Employee-Employer Relations Committee
Mandatory Review Date: September 2017
The program that implements this policy can be found here.
Definitions:
The definition of “Employee” shall be the same as the definition of Worker under the Act.
“Volunteer” is defined as an Officer of the Association (as outlined in the Association Constitution) or any non-Employee working on behalf of the Association in an official capacity.
“Workplace Violence” as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, means,
- the exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker,
- an attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker,
- a statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.
Workplace violence includes domestic violence that could cause physical injury to a person in the workplace.
“Workplace” is defined as the Association’s offices as well as any location where the business of the Association is being or is to be conducted.
Policy:
The Carleton University Academic Staff Association is committed to the protection of the health, safety, and wellbeing of all members and staff of the Association. As such, the Association will take whatever steps are reasonable to protect our members and workers from workplace violence from all sources. All acts of violence are strictly prohibited.
Violent behaviour in the workplace is unacceptable from anyone. This policy applies to all members and staff of the Association as well as visitors, contractors, students and volunteers. Everyone is expected to uphold this policy and to work together to prevent workplace violence.
There is a workplace violence program that implements this policy. It includes measures and procedures to protect against workplace violence, a means of summoning immediate assistance and a process for the reporting of incidents or the raising of concerns.
The Association shall ensure this policy and the supporting program are implemented and maintained and that all individuals covered by the policy have appropriate information and instruction to protect them from violence in the workplace.
The Association pledges to investigate and deal with all incidents and complaints of workplace violence in a fair and timely manner as outlined in the workplace violence program, respecting the privacy of all concerned as much as possible.
All must work in compliance with this policy and the supporting program.
Reporting
Threatening or violent behavior shall not be ignored. Individuals are strongly encouraged to raise any concerns about workplace violence and are required to report any violent incidents or threats. Reports should be made to the President, President-Elect or Executive Director.
There will be no negative consequences for persons making reports in good faith.
The Association will hold individuals accountable and will impose discipline and other sanctions up to and including discharge, expulsion, and trespass notices for violation of this policy. The Association may also initiate criminal or civil proceedings against persons who engage in workplace violence.
Contacts:
President
President-Elect
Executive Director
Unifor Local 567 Steward (staff only)
In the event of an emergency, the Department of University Safety should be contacted at (613) 520- 4444.
