FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 4, 2001

OPSEU to Ministry of Natural Resources: Work with us to solve systemic problem

TORONTO – The Ontario Public Service Employees Union has offered to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources to eradicate a systemic problem in the ministry that has created a poisoned work environment.

In the wake of a series of dismissals and suspensions over the alleged exchange of sexist and racist material on ministry computers, OPSEU President Leah Casselman called on the ministry to deal with the underlying problem.

"We know inappropriate cultures can develop in workplaces. We also know these attitudes can be challenged and the behaviour stopped. We have worked with the Ministry of Corrections over several years to develop programs that combat racism and sexism in that environment. We would be happy to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources in the same way," Casselman said.

"OPSEU has a clear policy against discrimination and harassment in all its forms. We are serious in our commitment to make sure that all our members work in safe and non-threatening environments.

"When racist and sexist material flows freely in a work environment, it becomes uncomfortable for most workers there. This can be a serious health and safety issue, because a poisoned work environment adds stress and tension to peoples’ working hours," Casselman said.

While working to deal with an environment that allowed this kind of behaviour to develop, OPSEU will defend any members disciplined or discharged as a result of the ministry investigation. Members have a right to be defended. The ministry must prove its case against each member, and the punishment must be appropriate to the offence.

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For further information:

Katie FitzRandolph (OPSEU Communications) (416) 448-7440; cell (416) 788-9057; e-mail: kfitzrandolph@opseu.org
Leah Casselman (OPSEU President) (416) 443-8888 Ext. 300 

OPSEU’s discrimination and harassment policy: http://www.opseu.org/committees/discrimination.pdf