CONFLICTS & HARASSMENT
What to do in situations of conflict between members, members & administration, and in cases of possible harassment:
Member-to-Member Conflicts
Generally, the hope is that problematic situations can resolve themselves on their own, but that is not always possible. If you feel a conflict is unlikely to be resolved, your first step would be to reach out to any of your school’s OSSTF reps - your Staff President, Staff Rep, and/or CBC Reps can advise and assist you in moving through any necessary processes or procedures.
If you communicate with a supervisor regarding concerns about another OSSTF member (a teacher or a member of another OSSTF D24 job class), you must inform that member in writing within 72 hours (see Adverse Reports).
If a mutually agreed upon solution cannot be found, mediation services are available through Provincial OSSTF’s Mediation Services Bank. You or your school reps can contact OSSTF D24 T/OTBU President Dave VandenBerg to learn more about accessing this service.
Harassment
Either in discussion with your OSSTF reps or on your own, review the WRDSB’s Anti-Harassment Procedure: AP-3740 - Prevention and Resolution of Workplace Harassment. This will help you determine if the situation rises to the level of harassment.
Regarding issues with a supervisor: if, in the course of their normal work functions, a supervisor makes a decision that is not prohibited by the collective agreement but that a member disagrees with, this is not necessarily considered harassment in the absence of bullying, intimidation, or otherwise inappropriate conduct.
If the situation is determined to be harassment, the next step is to inform the harasser that the behaviour is offensive, unwelcome, and must cease. If you like, an OSSTF rep may be there to witness or support this communication. It is a good idea to put this communication in writing, in case of possible adverse reporting in the future. As noted above, if you communicate with a supervisor regarding concerns about another OSSTF member (a teacher or a member of another OSSTF D24 job class), you must inform that member in writing within 72 hours (see Adverse Reports).
If the behaviour persists after informing the member of your concerns, you could choose to submit a Complaint Form to Address Conduct (HR-11-400). This procedure is outlined in AP-370 - Prevention and Resolution of Workplace Harassment. For assistance with this process, please feel free to contact your OSSTF representation either at school or the D24 Office.