Canada Post shows support for worker who faced homophobic harassment

Canada Post offices in Quebec have stepped up to show their support for a colleague of theirs who has been a victim of bullying and harassment due to their sexual orientation.

The worker – referred to as “Fred” – claimed that he has filed five official complaints with the head of operations at the post office on Bridge Street, with the Human Rights Commission and with the police.

Last year, one of his co-workers wrote the worker’s name inside a drawing of a penis in the office bathroom, according to a CTV News report.

The letter carrier’s desk and delivery truck were also defaced with the word "p-d," which is a derogatory term for gay men in French, according to the report. There was even a letter with the same that was sent to his home.

Fred claimed that he has been a victim of bullying for five years, according to the CTV News report.

When his story came out, several Canada Post facilities across the province posted signs with the words "Nous sommes Fred," or "We are Fred,” according to another CTV News report.

The harassment has since stopped, according to Fred.

He was also told that the Quebec Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity is investigating the case.

Earlier this year, a former human resources director of the Calgary Police Service (CPS) claimed that the workplace is rife with harassment, bullying and discrimination – and she experienced it firsthand.

How to address bullying and harassment in the workplace

Here’s what employers can do to fight bullying and harassment in the workplace, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS):

• Encourage everyone at the workplace to act towards others in a respectful and professional manner.
• Have a workplace policy in place that includes a reporting system.
• Educate everyone that bullying is a serious matter.
• Try to work out solutions before the situation gets serious or "out of control".
• Educate everyone about what is considered bullying, and whom they can go to for help.
• Treat all complaints seriously, and deal with complaints promptly and confidentially.
• Train supervisors and managers in how to deal with complaints and potential situations. Encourage them to address situations promptly whether or not a formal complaint has been filed.
• Have an impartial third party help with the resolution, if necessary.

Previously, a worker alleged she experienced harassment and bullying from her supervisor over a 13-month period.