Dear Colleagues,
Attached you will find the results of the Workplace Bullying Survey conducted last October.
While there were no statistically significant areas that reported bullying occurring, there was individual cases of bullying reported.
We want all members to know that if they feel in ANY WAY physically threatened by a student, coworker, supervisor, or non-UB person/contractor, University Police are available at 645-2222. All University employees have the right to a safe workplace.
Many people suffer from emotional and mental distress from the bullying behavior. It’s important that you seek help. The following are resources for you. They are confidential and can assist you.
University Police: 645-2222
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: 645-2266
Employee Assistance Program: 645-4461
Crisis Services: 716-834-3131
Suicide Helpline: 1-800-273-8255
UUP PsychHub: https://app.psychhub.com/signup/uup_mhp (UUP Members only)
Do NOT allow yourself to be alienated from others. Share and talk with others in your department of what is going on. The more people that talk about the issue and ways to deal/cope with it, the better. You are not alone and if it is happening to you, chances are it is happening to others.
• Take notes. Your notes should have the following information: o Date/time of incident (We are trying to establish a time frame and an escalation of severity and hostility)
- Who bullied you
- What was done and what was said. Be specific. Direct quotes are best. A detailed description of what happened. Think of this as a police report. Think like a lawyer.
- If there is an email exchange, include emails in your notes.
- If there are a chats in Zoom meeting, take a screen capture and include the picture in your notes.
- NYS is a one-permission state for recording meetings. Record the meetings using your cellphone.
• File a report through Employee Relations and carbon copy (CC) UUP (buffalocenter@uupmail.org) The University has stated a zero-tolerance policy regarding retaliatory action. Again, build on your notes and report specifics if you think retaliation is occurring. If you find there is retaliation, UUP and Employee Relations needs to know what the retaliation consisted of and who did it. Be specific about the reason for the retaliation, if filing a report. Share your documentation. Workplace Violence and Bullying Prevention – Administrative Services Gateway – University at Buffalo
• Meet with Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. This office confidentially ensures UB’s compliance with policies covering discrimination, harassment, accommodations, equality opportunity and child protection. Again, conversations are confidential, and they ensure no retaliation on reporting occurs. Call them at: 716-645-2266.
Survey results can be found here
In Solidarity,
Ken Kern
Chapter President
UUP Buffalo Center