Support a Healthy Workplace Bill in Connecticut
Target:
Connecticut General Assembly
Sponsored by:
Since 2003, variations of the bill have been introduced in some 12 state legislatures. Canada, Australia, and many European nations on enacting workplace bullying laws. In the meantime, in America, hardworking employees who have been psychologically pummeled at work are told by lawyers that they have no legal recourse. When cruelty and psychological violence are perfectly legal in the workplace, our society is harmed. Businesses and workers suffer.
Since 2003, variations of the bill have been introduced in some 12 state legislatures. Canada, Australia, and many European nations on enacting workplace bullying laws. In the meantime, in America, hardworking employees who have been psychologically pummeled at work are told by lawyers that they have no legal recourse. When cruelty and psychological violence are perfectly legal in the workplace, our society is harmed. Businesses and workers suffer.
We, the undersigned, support the introduction of legislation in the State of Connecticut in 2009, for a Healthy Workplace Bill. In the past Connecticut has introduced such legislation as SB 60 An Act to Prevent Bullying in the Workplace (2008) and SB 371 in 2007. We seek a bill that allows for a private right of action by targeted employees against employers and the individuals who engage in bullying in the workplace. We seek a bill that has a high threshold in which plaintiffs must prove that the bullying at work harmed their physical and/or mental health and was intentional on the part of the workplace bully and/or the employer. We ask that there be an affirmative defense to protect employers who in good faith take action to prevent bullying. If the bullying results in the death of the employee, the employee's family should have a right to pursue a wrongful death action. This legislation is necessary to create a healthy work environment that will make Connecticut businesses thrive. An unhealthy workplace is not a productive one and the costs to society are high.
We signed the "Support a Healthy Workplace Bill in Connecticut" petition!
# 105:
3:30 pm PST, Feb 9,
Name not displayed, Massachusetts
I work at Boston University. Although I am not the frequent target of my supervisor's varying forms of bullying, I witness both the direct and indirect actions against my coworker and I wish I worked elsewhere. It is very unfortunate that businesses and organizations have no legal obligation to monitor and manage workplace bullies, especially those in supervisory roles. The unnecessary pain destroys all creativity. It is purely evil.
I work at Boston University. Although I am not the frequent target of my supervisor's varying forms of bullying, I witness both the direct and indirect actions against my coworker and I wish I worked elsewhere. It is very unfortunate that businesses and organizations have no legal obligation to monitor and manage workplace bullies, especially those in supervisory roles. The unnecessary pain destroys all creativity. It is purely evil.
# 104:
10:45 am PST, Feb 9,
Heather Munro Prescott, Connecticut
This is very important legislation that needs to be supported at all levels.
This is very important legislation that needs to be supported at all levels.
# 103:
8:22 am PST, Feb 9,
Hing Wu, Connecticut
I work closely with someone who is being bullied constantly and relentlessly. It is clear to her colleagues who are aware of the truth that those who are bullying her will not stop until she is completely destroyed. It is common knowledge that victims who suffer from merciless bullying may either commit suicide or in extreme cases, resort to acts of violence. Please pass this bill as soon as possible. There is not a moment to waste.
I work closely with someone who is being bullied constantly and relentlessly. It is clear to her colleagues who are aware of the truth that those who are bullying her will not stop until she is completely destroyed. It is common knowledge that victims who suffer from merciless bullying may either commit suicide or in extreme cases, resort to acts of violence. Please pass this bill as soon as possible. There is not a moment to waste.
# 102:
8:15 am PST, Feb 9,
Erika Turner, Connecticut
# 101:
7:58 am PST, Feb 9,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 99:
7:25 am PST, Feb 9,
Jacqueline Cobbina-Boivin, Connecticut
# 98:
6:12 am PST, Feb 9,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 97:
6:06 am PST, Feb 9,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
Such an act is highly in need. "An unhealthy workplace is not a productive one and the costs to society are high." We cannot not afford wasting any more than what we already did during the current crises.
Such an act is highly in need. "An unhealthy workplace is not a productive one and the costs to society are high." We cannot not afford wasting any more than what we already did during the current crises.
# 96:
5:54 am PST, Feb 9,
Paul Humphrey, Connecticut
A healthy workplace bill would have no fiscal impact on the state budget but it would help a lot of people and force businesses to set policies to stop workplace bullying.
A healthy workplace bill would have no fiscal impact on the state budget but it would help a lot of people and force businesses to set policies to stop workplace bullying.
# 95:
5:51 am PST, Feb 9,
Estelle Pope, Connecticut
# 94:
5:46 am PST, Feb 9,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
Human Resources and others in the administration of my university harass and bully faculty with impunity. We need this law.
Human Resources and others in the administration of my university harass and bully faculty with impunity. We need this law.
# 93:
5:39 pm PST, Feb 8,
Candace Barrington, Connecticut
# 92:
5:31 pm PST, Feb 8,
Judith W. Mills, Connecticut
# 91:
8:50 am PST, Feb 8,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
Hello, I am a currant target of workplace bullying and have been targeted by three other bullies in my 32 year career. I always called it "leading by intimidation" before coming across the terms "workplace bullying and mobbing" on the Internet about 5 years ago. Not understanding why this was happening to me, I began an intense study on the subject and from there started my own antibullying website. Here is the link: http://antibullyingcrusador.wordpress.com/ For your information. Feel free to share the link with anyone, but I use an alias on the website and MY REAL NAME MUST REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL. -REMEMBER- I AM STILL EMPLOYEED BY A BULLY! ABC-AntiBullyingCrusador
Hello, I am a currant target of workplace bullying and have been targeted by three other bullies in my 32 year career. I always called it "leading by intimidation" before coming across the terms "workplace bullying and mobbing" on the Internet about 5 years ago. Not understanding why this was happening to me, I began an intense study on the subject and from there started my own antibullying website. Here is the link: http://antibullyingcrusador.wordpress.com/ For your information. Feel free to share the link with anyone, but I use an alias on the website and MY REAL NAME MUST REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL. -REMEMBER- I AM STILL EMPLOYEED BY A BULLY! ABC-AntiBullyingCrusador
# 90:
8:44 am PST, Feb 8,
Jeannette Oppedisano, New York
# 89:
8:12 am PST, Feb 8,
Deborah Savage, Connecticut
We've reporting bullying, shunning, unwanted touching, differential treatment, screaming at us and at students. The university uses the behavior of these perps to keep whistleblowers in line. Workplace harassment laws do specifically mention bullying, but neither the union nor the administration nor the union want to invoke those laws.
We've reporting bullying, shunning, unwanted touching, differential treatment, screaming at us and at students. The university uses the behavior of these perps to keep whistleblowers in line. Workplace harassment laws do specifically mention bullying, but neither the union nor the administration nor the union want to invoke those laws.
# 88:
7:17 am PST, Feb 8,
Lisa Bier, Connecticut
I have witnessed firsthand how terrible workplace bullying can be, especially when the employer either ignores, enables, or participates in the behavior. This is a very important bill and I strongly support its passage.
I have witnessed firsthand how terrible workplace bullying can be, especially when the employer either ignores, enables, or participates in the behavior. This is a very important bill and I strongly support its passage.
# 87:
7:01 am PST, Feb 8,
K.E. Gordon, Connecticut
# 85:
3:16 pm PST, Feb 7,
Christine Japely, Connecticut
I was subjected to bullying at work from two people in my department, and these two people live together in effect a common-law marriage. Their animosity toward me harmed work at the state college where we worked, and negative effects remain to this day.
I was subjected to bullying at work from two people in my department, and these two people live together in effect a common-law marriage. Their animosity toward me harmed work at the state college where we worked, and negative effects remain to this day.
# 84:
11:22 am PST, Feb 7,
Todd Rofuth, Connecticut
# 83:
10:00 am PST, Feb 7,
Pamela Hopkins, Connecticut
Workplace bullies must be stopped and this law helps to do that. Having a recourse would empower those who are victims and help stop the bullies. Just as sexual harassment laws have made people aware of inappropriate behaviors, this too will help. I have been a victim of bullying and the stress it caused affected my work and relationships.
Workplace bullies must be stopped and this law helps to do that. Having a recourse would empower those who are victims and help stop the bullies. Just as sexual harassment laws have made people aware of inappropriate behaviors, this too will help. I have been a victim of bullying and the stress it caused affected my work and relationships.
# 82:
9:20 pm PST, Feb 6,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
I am someone who as experienced vicious workplace bullying. I have had objects thrown at me. I have been screamed at countless times, and have had peers attempt to discredit my reputation. I have reported these incidents to administrators in charge. No effective remedy has ever been taken by those in charge to stop this bullying. Others that I work with that have witnessed this bullying have told me they are afraid for their jobs and will not report it or help me. Although I have tried to find ways to initiate a saner safe work environment, my efforts are inhibited by the fears and self serving concerns of my co-workers.
I am someone who as experienced vicious workplace bullying. I have had objects thrown at me. I have been screamed at countless times, and have had peers attempt to discredit my reputation. I have reported these incidents to administrators in charge. No effective remedy has ever been taken by those in charge to stop this bullying. Others that I work with that have witnessed this bullying have told me they are afraid for their jobs and will not report it or help me. Although I have tried to find ways to initiate a saner safe work environment, my efforts are inhibited by the fears and self serving concerns of my co-workers.
# 81:
1:41 pm PST, Feb 6,
Paul Stepanovich, Connecticut
It is not only psychologically damaging, it is physically damaging as well. Stress kills...
It is not only psychologically damaging, it is physically damaging as well. Stress kills...
# 80:
1:21 pm PST, Feb 6,
Corinne Blackmer, Connecticut
Bullying seems like an invidious scourge, much like the compulsion to wage warfare. When it sets down, ordinary foibles are magnified beyond recognition, paranoia rages, fear infects every decision, and whole lives, careers, and psyches are destroyed. At times, people lose their health--or worse. We not only need to restrain this terror called bullying. We also need to address the lack of just performance measures, and the terror of exposure for incompetence or bad conduct that contributes to it. It annihilates the very possibility of education.
Bullying seems like an invidious scourge, much like the compulsion to wage warfare. When it sets down, ordinary foibles are magnified beyond recognition, paranoia rages, fear infects every decision, and whole lives, careers, and psyches are destroyed. At times, people lose their health--or worse. We not only need to restrain this terror called bullying. We also need to address the lack of just performance measures, and the terror of exposure for incompetence or bad conduct that contributes to it. It annihilates the very possibility of education.
# 79:
12:31 pm PST, Feb 6,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
Its very simple. Bullying creates and feeds a hostile environment. Hostile environments are contrary to productive work environments. Non productive work environments are what is lowering the economic output and standard of living in the USA.
Its very simple. Bullying creates and feeds a hostile environment. Hostile environments are contrary to productive work environments. Non productive work environments are what is lowering the economic output and standard of living in the USA.
# 78:
10:25 am PST, Feb 5,
Katalin Eibel-Spanyi, Connecticut
I had experience situations where this bill could have been very useful.
I had experience situations where this bill could have been very useful.
# 77:
9:01 am PST, Feb 5,
Heather Levy, Connecticut
Yes! Let's not crush the spirits of others to try and lift our own.
Yes! Let's not crush the spirits of others to try and lift our own.
# 76:
7:33 am PST, Feb 5,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 75:
6:39 am PST, Feb 5,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 74:
6:21 am PST, Feb 5,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 73:
3:31 pm PST, Feb 4,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
Bullying in the workplace affects not only individuals but entire companies. Employers need to recognize that if they're real leaders they need to assure that people are treated with reasonable respect.
Bullying in the workplace affects not only individuals but entire companies. Employers need to recognize that if they're real leaders they need to assure that people are treated with reasonable respect.
# 72:
1:53 pm PST, Feb 4,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
There is no need or place for a bully in a work environment. I am in full support of this bill. We are living in tough economic times right now, folks are doing their best to say employed. I have been in work environments where managers over use their authority tomake life unpleasant if they dont like someone or deny them the right to a raise or promotion. Please pass this bill. I work in human resources. Give us a law we can support and utilze to make Americas workplace better.
There is no need or place for a bully in a work environment. I am in full support of this bill. We are living in tough economic times right now, folks are doing their best to say employed. I have been in work environments where managers over use their authority tomake life unpleasant if they dont like someone or deny them the right to a raise or promotion. Please pass this bill. I work in human resources. Give us a law we can support and utilze to make Americas workplace better.
# 71:
8:00 am PST, Feb 4,
Abigail E. Adams, Connecticut
# 70:
7:14 am PST, Feb 4,
Zakri Bello, Connecticut
Yes, by all means stop my colleagues from bullying me unjustifiably. America is just too good a nation to allow these acts of psychological violence.
Yes, by all means stop my colleagues from bullying me unjustifiably. America is just too good a nation to allow these acts of psychological violence.
# 69:
5:48 pm PST, Feb 3,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
I have suffered for many years from different employers. This particular job has been doing harmful things to me since 2005. I am encouraged by the Presidents recent actions and by the reintroduction of the anti-bullying bill. I feel more hopeful now then ever of getting some real relief in pay equity and respect and dignity in the workplace.
I have suffered for many years from different employers. This particular job has been doing harmful things to me since 2005. I am encouraged by the Presidents recent actions and by the reintroduction of the anti-bullying bill. I feel more hopeful now then ever of getting some real relief in pay equity and respect and dignity in the workplace.
# 67:
10:43 am PST, Feb 2,
Briann Greenfield, Connecticut
# 66:
7:04 am PST, Feb 2,
Karen A. Ritzenhoff, Connecticut
The issue of workplace bullying needs to be brought to the forefront, especially in economic challenging times where workplace pressures increase and people are afraid to loose their jobs.
The issue of workplace bullying needs to be brought to the forefront, especially in economic challenging times where workplace pressures increase and people are afraid to loose their jobs.
# 64:
5:56 am PST, Jan 31,
Mary Ann Mahony, Connecticut
# 63:
5:50 pm PST, Jan 30,
Leah Glaser, Connecticut
# 61:
12:56 pm PST, Jan 30,
Alexandra Maravel, Connecticut
I support HB (Raised) 6188, but I sincerely hope that the General Assembly will pass a Healthy Workplace Bill similar to (Raised) SB 60 (2008). Thank you.
I support HB (Raised) 6188, but I sincerely hope that the General Assembly will pass a Healthy Workplace Bill similar to (Raised) SB 60 (2008). Thank you.
# 60:
9:20 am PST, Jan 30,
Kathleen Long, Connecticut
# 59:
7:56 am PST, Jan 30,
Ava Biffer, Connecticut
There is no place for bullying anywhere in an ethical society. Certainly we cannot tolerate workplace conditions which abrogate the right of any individual to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Clearly this legislation is needed.
There is no place for bullying anywhere in an ethical society. Certainly we cannot tolerate workplace conditions which abrogate the right of any individual to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Clearly this legislation is needed.
# 58:
6:04 pm PST, Jan 29,
Elizabeth Kaminski, Connecticut
# 57:
4:21 pm PST, Jan 29,
Kate McGrath, Connecticut
# 56:
2:05 pm PST, Jan 29,
Paloma Lapuerta, Connecticut
# 55:
7:49 am PST, Jan 29,
Kevin R. Casey, Connecticut
I think that an anti-bullying is crucial. There is much abuse out there, yet, it appears that bullying still does not receive the same attention as other issues. Bullying happens every day and people become scarred for life due to its very ugliness. I urge immediate action on enacting this vital workplace bullying law. Thank you.
I think that an anti-bullying is crucial. There is much abuse out there, yet, it appears that bullying still does not receive the same attention as other issues. Bullying happens every day and people become scarred for life due to its very ugliness. I urge immediate action on enacting this vital workplace bullying law. Thank you.
# 54:
6:25 am PST, Jan 29,
Cynthia Pope, Connecticut
# 53:
5:22 am PST, Jan 29,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 52:
5:48 pm PST, Jan 28,
Name not displayed, Massachusetts
# 51:
11:55 am PST, Jan 28,
LORI-ANN LAPORTE, Connecticut
