Respectful Workplace Training

Respectful Workplace Training

Creating an environment of respect for employees is the basic premise of union membership.  We want wages and working conditions that respect our needs and our effort.  Among those working conditions, we want a workplace environment where all people treat one another with respect.

In addition to the requirement that BCIT conducts training in order to comply with its WorkSafe BC obligations, during the last round of bargaining, the FSA and BCIT agreed to “actively promote the development and maintenance of a respectful workplace environment” (Article 1.7.2.3).  The parties agreed to jointly develop and offer mandatory training for FSA members and their managers regarding interpersonal conflict and the negative effects of bullying and harassment in the workplace. The FSA is also exploring other strategies to fully realize the vision of a respectful and psychologically safe and healthy workplace at BCIT.

The FSA and its partners in the BCGEU bargaining units, and management, have committed many hours to revising existing training materials, as well as developing additional training resources and plans. The resulting Respectful Workplace Training program reflects the collaboration and compromise of all of the parties.

Emails were sent last week to FSA members, including a separate email to members working as instructors, administrators, and curriculum developers in Part-Time Studies. Online training is mandatory for all FSA members, as well as all members of the other bargaining units, and all managers.  Members should refer to their email for access to the online portion of the training.  As for in-person training, not all FSA members are required to participate. Members should review their email closely to determine if they are required to participate, and for access to the schedule of in-person training sessions. If members are still unsure of whether they are required to do in-person training, they should check with their manager or contact the FSA.  Finally, it may interest FSA members to know that BCIT managers have already participated in a customized management focused in-person training.

If FSA members have any questions or concerns about this training program, we encourage you to contact us at fsa@bcit.ca. We also welcome any ideas about additional initiatives and ideas for promoting psychological health and safety in the workplace.