Rep. Roys, Sen. Coggs: Stand up for Wisconsin workers

Contact: Monica Walker

608-795-2813

Legislation to be Introduced that Combats Bullying in the Workplace

Madison – Today Rep. Kelda Helen Roys and Senator Spencer Coggs circulated the Healthy Workplace Bill. This legislation addresses workplace bullying by giving workers who can demonstrate physical or psychological harm from an abusive work environment a limited right of action against their abusers.

“I applaud Rep. Roys and Sen. Coggs daring and bold action”, said Monica Walker, Wisconsin State Volunteer Coordinator. “I encourage all legislators to follow their lead and sign on to this important and nonpartisan legislation.”

“Workplace bullying is repeated, health-harming abusive mistreatment by bosses or co-workers. It is not simply incivility, rudeness, or misperceptions and can take the form of verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, humiliation, work interference or sabotage.

“According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, 37 percent of workers have been bullied on the job. Bullying has a direct impact on the health and productivity of workers, and must be addressed in Wisconsin.”

October 16-22 is “Freedom from Workplace Bullies Week”. This is a chance to break through the shame and silence surrounding bullying. It is a week to be daring and bold! Employers, Mental Health Professionals, Unions, School Administrators, Legislators and other healthy workplace advocates will find empowering ways to celebrate “Freedom” week at the websites below:

http://www.workplacebullying.org/freedom-week

Wisconsin resource: http://www.healthyworkplace-wi.org

Wisconsin Facebook: Wisconsin Healthy Workplace Advocates

Additional information is available on the Workplace Bullying Institute’s Website:

http://www.workplacebullying.org