The OFL acknowledges the courage of the women who came forward to speak about sexual misconduct they say they experienced from Patrick Brown.
“What these two young people describe is unacceptable behavior that is all-too-common,” said OFL President Chris Buckley. “I want to send a message to anyone who has experienced sexual harassment, that the burden of responsibility lies with the perpetrator and not the survivor of the abuse. I also want to emphasize that the labour movement will continue to speak up for workers who experience harassment in the workplace.”
Studies show that the majority of working women will experience sexual harassment. In her statement to the media, one of the women who came forward reported that she felt she had nowhere to turn for support in her workplace, Patrick Brown’s constituency office.
All workplaces must have clear policies for dealing with sexual harassment or misconduct. The OFL has long supported initiatives that strive to create workplaces free of sexual harassment.
“Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the recent addition of five days paid leave for domestic and sexual violence survivors have expanded the discussion about the prevalence of sexual harassment and violence and offered survivors additional support,” said OFL Secretary-Treasurer Patty Coates. “Until every person is free from harassment and violence we will continue to fight for safety in the workplace.”
“We each have a role to play in stopping sexual harassment. From the earliest time that our children can understand or speak we need to make it clear to them that sexual harassment is never ok and that they can report it,” said Buckley. “In our workplaces, with our friends, and in our families, we must ensure that every person, regardless of age, knows that survivors will be safe when they speak out,” he added.
For information on supporting survivors of domestic or sexual violence:
Domestic Violence Goes To Work Every Day: A Bargaining Guide
