Anti-bullying and harassment clauses are to be included in the collective bargaining agreements for the Bermuda Public Services Union, the union president announced today.

Armell Thomas said: “Bullying and harassment must not be confused with exercising managerial authority.

“It is important to distinguish between a person who is reasonably exercising legitimate authority at work in an appropriate way, and a person who is bullying and harassing.”

The move followed a BPSU survey in 2016 in which 48 per cent of respondents “personally experienced bullying in the last 12 months”.

A further 58 per cent reported they had seen bullying or harassment on the job in the last six months.

Mr Thomas said: “One of the core principles of the Bermuda Public Services Union is that all workers have the fundamental right to be treated with dignity and respect.

“Being on the frontline as one of Bermuda’s leading labour advocates, the BPSU has first-hand knowledge that bullying and harassment is a major concern in many workplaces throughout the island.”

Mr Thomas said the union would draft a clause for inclusion in its agreements to tackle the problem, and would also make presentations on the subject to its bargaining units.

Linda Bogle-Mienzer, the BPSU’s second vice-president, has been made the BPSU’s rapid response liaison officer to support victims of bullying or harassment.

The union, which launched an anti-bullying and harassment campaign in 2016, said the move underlined its commitment to the creation of safe and healthy working environments.