Resolution 1020 – Addressing Workplace Psychological Safety Act

Whereas workplace psychological abuse constitutes employee exploitation, rooted in the avoidance of employer liability and the current status quo incentivizes employers to prioritize liability concerns over employee well-being;

Whereas the Workplace Psychological Safety Act (WPSA) aims to provide a legal remedy for employees who endure workplace psychological abuse, acknowledging that workplace bullying and mobbing are forms of psychological abuse that violate an employee’s inherent basic human right to dignity, creating a toxic work environment unsuitable for regular duties and tasks;

Whereas these behaviors may manifest as targeted or systematic, resulting in a hostile work environment, and even a single severe incident can constitute psychological abuse;

Whereas workers mental health and safety at work are of the utmost importance and to achieve these ends must have protections of legislation, regulation, and the unencumbered ability to form a union to protect their rights in the workplace;

Therefore as the WSDCC we recognize the importance of legislation and regulation in protecting workers in the workplace and support workers right to form a union and the collective power of a first contract to protect workers;

Therefore be it Resolved, the WSDCC encourages all stakeholders, including employers, employees, legal authorities, unions, and advocacy groups, to collaborate in raising awareness about workplace psychological abuse, its consequences, and the available legal remedies;

Therefore be it Resolved, the WSDCC calls on legislators to consider the adoption of legislation similar to the Workplace Psychological Safety Act (WPSA) to protect employees from workplace psychological abuse, ensuring their right to a psychologically safe and respectful working environment.