The Union Steward Guide to Dealing with Workplace Bullying: Featuring the Bad Boss Campaign (CA SEIU 1000)
Jeffrey Recht brings 15 years of experience as a Union steward in the California State government system. This book highlights this practical advice and an insider's understanding of using the Union's MOU with the State and the CalHR system to protect targeted workers. The book builds on a description of the bullying problem and provides practical advice for dealing with traumatized workers. Case studies are provided along with useful and helpful information for dealing with CalHR, the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA), the State Personnel Board (SPB), the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). One of Jeffrey Recht's specialties for achieving workplace social justice was organizing the workplace to conduct effective "Bad Boss Campaigns." The final chapter covers the planning, action steps, and personal notes for these efforts, so you can start organizing your Bad Boss Campaign. In addition, resources for targeted workers are provided.
Why I Wrote This Book
I am not a lawyer. However, as a Steward, I have helped my members get relief from bullying, monetary damages, and legal settlements out of the departments and agencies of the State of California. A well-documented case can do this for you, and this guide and toolkit will help you achieve similar ends. Also, over these years, the processes and tools described were built with advice from many different sources. This eBook will review these tools and put them into context so you can see how they are used.
What They Are Saying!
Dr. Gary Namie
I treasure Jeff Recht's experience so much that I've featured him in podcasts to teach other union advocates about bullying. This timely book was written by a steward who earned battle scars from tussling with management over bullying and emerged victorious from those fights. His record alone commands attention.
Sean Harrison, Union Steward SEIU L1000
Workplace bullying is the health-harming mistreatment of employees and unions have a responsibility to address this endemic in order to fulfill its purpose to their membership. This guidebook is a much appreciated resource for assisting with worker protection through our collective bargaining rights. I'm thankful to Dr. Nan and Mr. Recht for their collaboration and sharing their knowledge.
Carrie Clark, Co-Founder, Healthy Workplace Advocates
This book is good for Targets, too!
What You'll Learn!
· How to distinguish the eight types of bullies
· How bullying stress affects the bullied worker's brain.
· How to use the Union MOU Agreement with the State to protect targeted workers
· How to use the government structure facing the targeted worker
· How to use other approaches instead of filing a grievance
· How to effectively organize union members to fight bad bosses
Chapter 1: Bullying: What It Is, What It Is Not, and How to Recognize It
The problem is that bullying is seen as a management style even though it clearly is not. Chapter one orients the union steward to the background of how bullying is perceived by the state government, explains the current wording of anti-bullying laws, explores the depth of the bullying abuse problem, and how to identify the forms, behaviors, and types of bullying.
Chapter 2: Dealing with the Member
Chapter two focuses on member issues and needs. First, basic worker rights are stated, and the typical profile of a targeted member is presented. Next, the health outcomes of bullying are offered, including a section on PTSD and how this type of stress traumatizes the targeted individual's brain. Finally, recommendations for needed steward skill sets are provided.
Chapter 3: Understanding CalHR
Chapter three examines the history and various forms of employment departments operating within the California State system. The multiple functions, hearings, and issues that are handled under the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA), the State Personnel Board (SPB), and the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).
Chapter 4: How to Build a Bullying Case
Chapter four provides an overview of the process and steps to build a solid case against a workplace bully in state government. Helping the member create an Events Diary, understanding how to petition for documentation, and how to conduct interviews are covered with insider tips and notes.
Chapter 5: Member Options for Filing Complaints
Chapter five covers the options for members to file complaints against workplace bullies. State disability insurance; the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); the State Civil Rights Office (formerly Department of Fair and Equitable Housing and Employment [DFEH]), Hostile Workplace filings, and the Grievance Process are presented. Retaliation issues are also discussed.
Chapter 6: Conducting a Bad Boss Campaign
One of Jeffrey Recht's specialties for achieving workplace social justice was organizing the workplace to conduct effective "Bad Boss Campaigns." This chapter covers these campaigns' planning, action steps, and personal notes, so you can start organizing your Bad Boss Campaign.
Available on Kindle on Amazon.com
