Sexual harassment a serious industrial matter—F.O.L.

Press, 7 May 1983, Page 3

Sexual harassment a serious industrial matter—F.O.L.

Wellington reporter Sexual harassment will be treatd as a “serious industrial matter” under a policy adopted yesterday by the Federation of Labour. A remit for a campaign against sexual harassment in the workplace was passed unanimously at the federation’s annual conference. The remit condemned sexual harassment as intolerably offensive behaviour that interferes with effective work. Employers will be urged to punish employees who sexually harass others. The remit was put forward by the Federated Clerical Workers’ Association. A Clerical Workers’ Union delegate, Mr Paul McCarthy, said that sexual harassment was a problem unions had yet to take seri-

ously. “But it is an industrial issue of concern to men and women alike,” he said. A Public Service Associa-. tion survey had found that 75 per cent of women employees had been sexually harassed at work. His union had dealt with dozens of “disgusting” cases since awareness had increased in recent years. The policy defines sexual . harassment as including requests for sexual favours, sexual jibes or abuse, and unwarranted physical contact. Promises of preferential treatment in exchange for sex, or threats of persecution if sexual favours are denied, are defined as harassment. The federation’s campaign will include publicis-

ing sexual harassment to encourage workers to challenge it in the workplace. The following is also federation policy after remits were passed in the final session yesterday: ® Limits on Housing Corporation loans should be raised to 90 per cent of the cost of a home; compulsory purchase of State houses shuld be abolished. • Workers should get an extra week’s holiday after five years continuous service. • The Government should replace limitations on redundancy payments with minimum redundancy entitlements for all workers. • All funds collected for the relief of striking workers should be distributed to those workers.