Workplace Sexual Harassment: Encouraging reporting, developing a responsive process, changing the culture

The #MeToo movement and recent high profile events, such as the RCMP’s historic apology and compensation to female officers, have raised societal consciousness about the pervasiveness of sexual harassment in employment. Has there been a change in the culture? What institutional barriers hinder the proper functioning of workplace harassment policies and the timely investigation of harassment complaints? This panel will address critical issues in investigating, responding to and combating workplace sexual harassment, including:

• What lessons should workplaces be taking from the wave of disclosures that have come forward in the last several months? Are recent events effecting social change, and if so, how?
• How do we facilitate and encourage reporting of workplace sexual harassment? Is there a difference between reporting and disclosure?
• What are the key elements of a strong workplace process for reporting/responding to sexual harassment complaints? What are the critical obstacles? What role should unions take in supporting members?
• What are best practices for investigating sexual harassment? What are the challenges involved in investigating institutional behaviour?
• What measures should organizations implement to combat workplace sexual harassment? What are the key challenges involved in effecting change, including cultural change, and how should they be addressed? How do you know if an organization is changing?