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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women December 6th 2010

TEAM MEMO
To:         TEAM-IFPTE Local 161 Members
From:     TEAM Office
Date:      December 6, 2010
Re:         National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
 

Today we remember and mourn the loss of 14 women murdered at Montréal's École Polytechnique, just because they were women. December 6 is the day when we make the lives of these women – of all women and children touched by violence - count.

We make a difference when we speak out against bullying, harassment and discrimination of any kind, and we make a difference when unions raise the issue of violence at the bargaining table, or advocate for effective workplace violence legislation.

This year, the Canadian Labour Congress challenges workers to Make Women's Lives Count by taking action in memory of the 14 women murdered on this day.

Here are 14 actions you can take to make your workplace safe and to help end violence against women:

  1.  Learn to recognize the signs of violence.
  2.  Don’t remain silent. If you suspect that a woman close to you is being abused or has been sexually assaulted, gently ask if you can help.
  3.  Speak out against harassment, bullying and violence in your workplace.
  4.  Get training in violence prevention.
  5.  Be an ally to women and organizations who are working to end all forms of gender violence.

Work with your union to:

  1.  Make sure your employer keeps information on shelters and supports for women experiencing violence readily available.
  2.  Negotiate a workplace violence prevention program which includes psychological harassment into your collective agreement.
  3.  Review your workplace violence program every December 6th.
  4.  If you live in a jurisdiction with Workplace Violence legislation, make sure your employer is in compliance. If you don't, advocate for legislation requiring employers to develop policies and programs to help prevent workplace violence and harassment, as well as take precautions to protect workers from domestic violence in the workplace.

Have the courage to look inward and work to:

  1. Question your own attitudes and actions and work towards changing them.
  2. Recognize and speak out against racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination.
  3. Raise non-violent children. Help them find non-violent ways of resolving conflict. Lead by example.
  4. Help the girls in your life develop confidence and strong self-esteem.
  5. Encourage people who commit violence to seek counselling and support.

Make Women's Lives Count poster and brochure

TEAM-IFPTE Local 161
Tel (204) 984-9470 or 1-877-984-9470
Fax: (204) 231-2809
[email protected]
www.teamunion.mb.ca