Unifor introduces women's advocate program at Bell Aliant

Advocates trained to respond, intervene in cases of harassment

A recent agreement between Unifor and Bell Aliant will see a women’s advocate program implemented at the company in an effort to create safer workplaces free from harassment.

Four advocates — one in each Atlantic province — will be trained to be able to respond and intervene in cases of workplace harassment or domestic and intimate violence against women.

Unifor has negotiated 311 women’s advocates in workplaces across the country, including the four most recent positions at Bell Aliant.

Speaking with CBC News, Unifor’s regional director for Atlantic Canada Lana Payne said the new women’s advocates will be trained to offer services ranging from education campaigns to helping women exit difficult personal situations.

“Some great women in our union suggested that if we started having workplace representatives that dealt with this issue of violence and harassment against women, it would prompt a discussion at the collective bargaining table and a deeper conversation with employers but also with our members,” Payne said.

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