CAS Ottawa-Carleton

CAS of Districts of Sudbury & Manitoulin

Members of the Ontario Public Services Employees union will mark National Pink Shirt Day today with the message that there is no place for bullying in our workplaces and communities.

“Bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and over the internet. Our intention today is to draw awareness to this serious problem by hosting various events across the province,” says Jane Kaija, Chair of OPSEU’s CAS sector.

Bullying is defined as a power relationship carried on by one individual or a group of individuals towards another person. Bullying is not limited to brutality or physical violence. Rumours, threats and hurtful words also contribute to acts of rejection. Members in the child welfare sector and other social service professionals working with children and youth, witness the negative impact that bullying has on young people and others who find themselves vulnerable to stress which, in turn, leads to increased mental health and physical challenges.

“We encourage all OPSEU members to pull out their pink T-shirts and participate in a local or community event and mark this important day,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “As union members and as members of our own local communities we must make it clear that society must not tolerate bullying under any circumstances.”

National Pink Shirt Day was started by a group of teenage boys in Nova Scotia in 2007 as a gesture of support for another boy who found himself the victim of bullying. The day is marked across Canada by students and adults alike who share the slogan: “Bullying Stops Here!”

To learn more about National Pink Shirt Day please visit: www.pinkshirtday.ca.

More information:

Jane Kaija
OPSEU CAS Sector Chair
705-677-8144