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NUPGE and Components mark Feb. 27 as Pink Shirt Day

"As a union, every worker has a right to be treated with respect and dignity and must have a safe place to make a living, "said James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

Ottawa (27 Feb. 2013) - The country may be a sea of pink on February 27 as workers, students and other supporters wear pink shirts to bring awareness to the issue of bullying.

The “pink” campaign began in Nova Scotia in 2007 when two high school students learned a fellow student had been threatened for wearing a pink polo shirt.

To support their friend, the teens bought 50 pink shirts and tank tops and urged others to wear them in support of anti-bullying.

When the bullied student walked into school, he saw his fellow students dressed in pink. It was a powerful, supportive moment. When a large group of people stand up against bullies in support of the victim, bullies lose all their power.

Schools and workplaces across Canada have since adopted the campaign.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and Components have established anti-bullying campaigns and educational training programs to address the issue as well. Many bargaining committees have developed anti-bullying language to include in collective agreements to ensure workers have the protection and process to address this harmful behaviour.

"As a union, every worker has a right to be treated with respect and dignity and must have a safe place to make a living," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President. "Our definition of occupational health and safety includes protection from harassment, bullying and intimidation. We commend the work of our activists across the country who have broken the silence on these issues."

More information:

NUPGE: Bullying - It's a lot worse than kid stuff

NSGEU bully-free workplaces

OPSEU Children's Aid Societies campaign

BCGEU anti-bullying resources

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE