Everyone has the right to work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation. If you have experienced, witnessed, or have concerns about workplace harassment or discrimination, OSSTF District 14 is here to support you.
This page provides information about your rights, available protections, and resources that may help you understand your options. Every situation is unique, and you do not need to navigate it alone. If you have questions, are unsure whether something constitutes harassment or discrimination, or would like confidential support, we encourage you to reach out to your local union representative or the District 14 office.
Knowing your rights is the first step toward creating safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces for all members.
Know your Rights & Responsibilities
If you are dealing with a workplace harassment issue or complaint, contact the District Office immediately for advice and assistance.
Definition of Harassment: “engaging in a course of vexatious comments or conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome” ~ Occupational Health and Safety Act, Bill 168
Every employer in Ontario has a legal obligation to provide a workplace free from harassment. This obligation extends to protecting members from harassing acts committed by other employees, management personnel, agents of the employer, and student, parents or guardians. (Ontario Human Rights Code) ~ KPR : B-3.3 Human Rights Code-Based Discrimination and Harassment
Impact on the Individual
– increased fear
– depression
– loss of sleep
– feeling ashamed
– loss of self-confidence
– avoiding social situations
– anxiety
– increased use of sick days
– negative impact on family life
– appetite loss
– physical health issue (ex: high blood pressure)
FROM OSSTF
OSSTF stands by the right of every member to have a safe and harassment-free workplace and to receive effective union representation and due process in all matters related to their employment
If you are experiencing harassment
OSSTF will advise, represent and support members experiencing workplace harassment. Contact your bargaining unit for advice on your rights and the steps that can be taken.
If you have been accused of harassment
OSSTF recognizes its responsibility to represent fairly and provide assistance to any member facing allegations of harassing behaviour in the workplace. As soon as you become aware of any complaint, your first step should be to speak with your OSSTF representative. OSSTF will ensure fair representation for all parties in situations involving a conflict between members.
Workplace Harassment and Violence
Prevention Link: Supporting Mental Health, Disability, and Return to Work
Workplace stress, illness, injury, and disability can have a significant impact on your well-being and your ability to work. Prevention Link is a free Ontario-based resource that provides education, tools, and support to help workers, unions, and employers navigate workplace accommodation, mental health concerns, disability management, and return-to-work processes.
Whether you are experiencing workplace stress, managing a disability, returning from a leave, or simply looking to better understand your workplace rights, Prevention Link offers valuable information and training designed to support healthy, safe, and inclusive workplaces.
If you are facing challenges at work and are unsure where to turn, Prevention Link can be a helpful resource alongside the support available through your local OSSTF District. Members are encouraged to reach out to their union representatives with any questions or concerns regarding workplace accommodations, disability-related issues, or mental health supports.
Stress and the Workplace
How Stressed Are You?
Stress is a normal part of life, but excessive or prolonged stress can affect both your health and your work. The StressAssess website offers a free, confidential self-assessment that can help you better understand your current stress levels and identify potential sources of stress in your life.
We encourage all members to take the Personal Stress Assessment to gain insight into their own well-being and learn about strategies and resources that may help improve their overall health.
In addition to the individual assessment, a Workplace Stress Assessment can be conducted to identify organizational factors contributing to workplace stress. If you believe workplace stress is affecting you and your colleagues, let your OTBU Executive know. With sufficient member interest, we can explore opportunities to organize a board-wide workplace stress assessment and advocate for improvements that support healthier working conditions for all.
Accessibility & Accommodation
Every member has the right to a workplace that is accessible, inclusive, and free from discrimination. If a disability, medical condition, family status, religious observance, or another protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code affects your ability to fully participate in the workplace, you may be entitled to accommodation.
Accommodation is a collaborative process that seeks to remove barriers and support employees in performing their work safely and effectively. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help ensure that appropriate supports are in place while maintaining dignity, inclusion, and respect.
If you have questions about accommodation, accessibility, or workplace barriers, your Executive is available to provide guidance and connect you with resources and supports.
Human Rights Resources
Health & Safety
Every member has the right to a safe and healthy workplace under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Employers are responsible for taking every reasonable precaution to protect workers from hazards, including workplace violence, harassment, and unsafe conditions. Members also have the right to know about hazards, participate in health and safety processes, and refuse unsafe work when appropriate.
If you have health and safety concerns, you are encouraged to report them and connect with your Health & Safety representative, Joint Health and Safety Rep, or other executive member for support.
Equity
KPR Links
COHREA – Report It!
We want members to know that you are not alone if you experience or witness a concern in the workplace. Everyone has the right to work and learn in an environment that is safe, respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination or harassment. If you are unsure about whether or how to submit a report, or if you would like union support before or after using the tool, please reach out to the union for guidance.
We encourage members to consider using KPR’s Report IT! to report concerns involving:
– Discrimination or harassment
– Bullying, threats, targeting, or intimidation
– Failure to accommodate
– Other concerns that negatively impact student or staff well-being
Incident Report Portal
All teachers – whether you’re in an LTO or a daily occasional assignment, are reminded of the importance of using the Incident Report.
Incidents to report include (but are not limited to):
– Student aggression (physical or verbal)
– Unsafe behaviours or situations
– Injuries to staff or students
– Threats or harassment
– Damage to property or equipment
– Any situation that causes concern for safety or well-being
Using the Incident Report Tool allows the board to investigate concerns, identify patterns, and provide follow-up support. It also helps ensure that staff involved are offered a debrief after the incident.
Access the Incident Report Tool via the KPRontheWEB homepage.
Damages to personal equipment such as glasses? You should declare this in your report and contact the Principal at the location immediately after the incident to inform them of the damages. Repair costs can be covered under school expenses. Please CC us on any email communications regarding damaged property!
Human Rights Tribunal
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) procedures for human rights issues prioritize internal grievance resolution over independent filings. When a violation is linked to your collective agreement, OSSTF representatives will file a grievance, as the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) often defers cases until the grievance process concludes. See “Navigating a Human Rights Complaint” for steps and advice.
OSSTF-Specific Resources
Don’t overlook the excellent resources already available through the provincial union, including:
– Health and Safety Handbook
– Violence Prevention resources
– Harassment and Workplace Bullying resources
– Equity and Anti-Oppression resources
– Human Rights and Accommodation guides
– Mental Health and Wellness materials
– Duty to Accommodate resources
– Joint Health and Safety Committee opportunities
OSSTF District 14 