Why is it a union issue?

Everyone has the right to work in a safe and supportive environment, free from fear of being harassed. Unions are committed to opposing all forms of discrimination and ensuring that all workers are treated fairly and decently.

General union Unite argues in its guidance, Zero tolerance — Dignity and equality at work, that harassment and bullying can be a contributory factor to other workplace issues such as unequal pay, job insecurity, sickness absence and lack of progression.

According to retail union Usdaw, women are more likely to be harassed while at work than in any other setting. Its guidance on sexual harassment at work states that sexual harassment can make a worker feel threatened, humiliated and patronised. It can affect a person’s mental and physical well-being and is therefore an important health and safety issue.

In its guidance on how to deal with harassment, the communication workers’ union CWU, explains that in addition to the moral responsibility, unions must represent their members correctly or risk bringing the union into disrepute.

Worryingly, only 1% of those polled by the TUC for its Still just a bit of banter? report told a union rep about their experience of sexual harassment. This finding highlights how important it is for unions to raise their profile among the groups most affected and let them know what support they can offer.