Reimer Express Lines Ltd. is committed to providing and maintaining a positive work environment free of both sexual and general harassment and abuse. Harassment and abuse are forms of employee misconduct that are demeaning to another person, which undermine the integrity of the employment relationship, and are strictly prohibited.
The Human Rights Act of Canada defines "harassment" as a discriminatory practice to harass an individual on a prohibited ground of discrimination, and includes sexual harassment.
"Harassment" has also been defined as follows:
A course of abusive and unwelcome conduct or comment based on someoneís nationality, ancestry or ethnic background, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or family status, source of income, political belief, or physical or mental disability.
A series of objectionable and unwelcome sexual solicitations or advances; or
A sexual solicitation or advance made by a person who is in a position to confer upon or deny any benefit to the recipient; and
A reprisal or threat of reprisal for rejecting a sexual solicitation or advance.
Specific actions that can be considered harassment include, but are not limited to the following:
Unwelcomed remarks, actions, jokes, or comments relating to an individualís nationality, sex, etc.;
Unwelcomed remarks, actions, jokes, or comments relating to an individualís body, attire, appearance or weight;
Verbal abuse or threats;
The displaying of pornographic, racist or other offensive or derogatory pictures;
Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment;
Unwelcomed invitations or requests, whether indirect or explicit;
Intimidation;
Leering or other gestures;
Condescension or paternalism which undermines self-respect;
Unnecessary physical contact such as touching, patting, pinching, punching ; and
Physical abuse or assault.
If an employee feels she or he is the subject of conduct that is harassing or abusive, she or he should clearly state to the source of the harassment that the conduct is unwelcome. While this response is recommended, generally all concerns and complaints will be dealt with regardless whether such a statement is made.
