1. Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress

2. “In Canada, 27% of working adults reported that, on most days, their lives were ‘quite’ or ‘extremely stressful.” “What’s stressing the stressed? Main sources of stress among workers” by Susan Crompton (Stats Can) 2011

3. Use the power of your union Bargaining HEALTHHEALTH Grievances Health & Safety Committee Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress

4. Negotiate Collective Agreement language to protect and enforce health and safety standards including workplace stress management. Your Collective Agreement as a “Health Document” Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress

5. Question: What type of “Health Provisions” could you negotiate in your Collective Agreement? Be prepared to report back in a few minutes. Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress

6. Language that improves work conditions…and HEALTH: …that the employer shall adopt Canada’s “National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety” …that the employer shall engage in, and consult with, the union in identifying specific strategies to improve psychological health and safety in the workplace …that the employer shall take reasonable precautions to prevent psychosocial hazards from affecting workers’ health …language on paid leave, wellness funds, hours of work, promotions, benefits, work organization, work demands to name a few… Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress

7. What are some of the things that your Joint Health and Safety Committee can do to address workplace stress? Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress

8. JHSC RECOMMENDATIONS: Work Demands Prioritize tasks Allow input Reduce unnecessary tasks Schedule work to avoid deadlines which are too short or grouped together Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress

9. JHSC RECOMMENDATIONS: Work Organization Change flow of work Re-bundle work Use different tools and routines Potential solutions will be different in each workplace

10. You’ve identified the work factors that are creating mental distress… You’ve raised concerns… You’ve talked to the supervisor… You’ve gotten no relief…. What else could you do? Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress

11. Using smartphone applications to measure and manage stress Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress

14. Any light bulb moments from this course? Union Strategies to Take Action on Workplace Stress