Executive Council
September 16, 2015
Fostering a Respectful Work Environment
Consultant Seeks Input on Harassment and Discrimination-Free Workplace Policy and the Respectful Workplace Program
The Provincial Government strives to create a work environment for its employees where they feel safe and free from harassment. To further this commitment, government has selected Rubin Thomlinson LLP as the consultant to conduct an external review of the current Harassment and Discrimination-Free Workplace Policy and Respectful Workplace Program.
"Government values the work of our public service employees. Ensuring they have a safe and healthy workplace is something we take very seriously. Reviewing the current policy and program and engaging employees in the process will provide great insight on areas that are working and those that may need improvement. Newfoundland and Labrador has a professional and dedicated public service and it is imperative that we provide them with a respectful workplace built upon policies that support employees."
- The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Human Resource Secretariat
As part of the review process, all government employees are invited to provide any relevant feedback directly to Rubin Thomlinson LLP. The information provided by employees will be used to assist in preparing a report that includes recommendations relating to the Harassment and Discrimination-Free Workplace Policy and the Respectful Workplace Program, including how they can best be organized, administered and delivered throughout government offices.
"While the participation in this review is voluntary, we encourage employees to take part in the process. It is important for employees to know their comments will be kept secure and strictly confidential at all times. As an employer, government is committed to offering all employees a workplace that treats people with dignity and supports communication and employee engagement."
- Minister Wiseman
Government committed to a review of the current Harassment and Discrimination-Free Workplace Policy, as well as consideration of the supports provided through the Respectful Workplace Program. The review will be guided by a Steering Committee comprised of the Clerk of the Executive Council, the Chair of the Public Service Commission and the Deputy Minister of the Human Resource Secretariat. It is expected the consultant will provide findings and recommendations to government by the end of October.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government has selected Rubin Thomlinson LLP as the consultant to conduct an external review of the current Harassment and Discrimination-Free Workplace Policy and Respectful Workplace Program.
- As part of the review process, all government employees are being invited to provide any relevant feedback directly to Rubin Thomlinson LLP.
- It is expected the consultant will provide their findings and recommendations to government by the end of October.
- The total cost of the review is approximately $30,000.
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Media contact:
| Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications Department of Finance and Human Resource Secretariat 709-729-6830, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
2015 09 16 2:00 p.m.