UCASE urges entities to review sexual harassment, social media policies

 

General Secretary of the Union of Clerical, Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE) John Levy has called for organisations, including those in the public sector, to re-examine their sexual harassment and social media policies in light of a case that was brought against a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) supervisor.

 

Seven cases of sexual harassment were dismissed on Tuesday against the supervisor for breach of the Collective Labour Agreement, which stipulates the time within which disciplinary matters are to be dealt with.

 

Mr. Levy says the allegations against the supervisor were posted to the JUTC's Facebook page which could have exposed the state-run bus company to legal challenges.

 

He says where institutions and companies do not have the relevant policies, this should be urgently corrected. 

 

"I would urge companies to take a look at their social media policy because this is where this all emanated from, and to take a look at their sexual harassment policy. And I want to commend Minister [Olivia] Grange for putting out the warning and the notice to entities, including Government of Jamaica entities, that they must take a serious look at their policy," he said in an interview.  

 

Mr. Levy also suggested that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labour develop a model policy to share with companies. 

 

He noted that the JUTC does not have a sexual harassment policy.

 

Mr. Levy has cautioned employees to seek guidance before making public accusations.

 

Recently, Gender Affairs Minister Olivia Grange said relevant organisations should get ready for implementation of the sexual harassment law.

 

Under the law, workplaces and institutions are required to issue sexual harassment policies and bring those policies to the attention of workers. 

 

The policy should advise workers, clients, students, residents, wards, and members on how complaints of sexual harassment should be reported and addressed.