Respect at work: what Pink Shirt Day means for union members

Pink Shirt Day started in Nova Scotia in 2007, when two high school students bought and distributed pink shirts after a younger student was bullied for wearing one. What began as a small act of solidarity is now marked across Canada each February.

For unions, the message goes beyond kindness. It’s about dignity at work.

What is workplace bullying?

In B.C., employers are required under the Workers Compensation Act to prevent and address workplace bullying and harassment.

WorkSafeBC defines bullying and harassment as: any inappropriate conduct or comment by a person toward a worker that the person knew, or reasonably ought to have known, would cause that worker to be humiliated or intimidated.

It can include verbal aggression, personal attacks, threats or other behaviour that creates a hostile work environment. It does not include reasonable management action, such as performance feedback or discipline, when carried out in a respectful way.

Bullying doesn’t have to be loud to be harmful. Repeated undermining, exclusion or humiliation can take a real toll.

Why this matters in union workplaces

Every worker deserves a safe, respectful workplace. That includes protection from harassment, intimidation and retaliation.

Unions play a key role in:

• Enforcing collective agreement protections
• Ensuring complaints are taken seriously
• Supporting members through difficult situations
• Pushing employers to meet their legal obligations

Pink Shirt Day is a reminder that respect at work is not optional. It’s a standard.

What you can do

If you’re experiencing bullying or harassment:

• Document what’s happening, dates, times and witnesses
• Review your employer’s bullying and harassment policy
• Contact your shop steward or local president early
• If needed, file a formal complaint through the employer’s process

If you witness bullying:

• Support the person targeted
• Speak up if it’s safe to do so
• Report it

Strong workplaces are built when members look out for one another.

Pink Shirt Day is one day on the calendar. Building respectful, accountable workplaces is ongoing work.