Dear editor,
I am writing to express my surprise and disappointment with the response received from the four local school trustees that I contacted, regarding a request to meet for the purpose of sharing information on teacher morale and workplace bullying.
Individuals affected by workplace bullying react in a number of ways which can include: shock, fear, anger, frustration, loss of self-confidence, loss of self-esteem, work-related panic or anxiety, and, low morale and productivity.
Witnesses, coworkers, and in the case of the school district, their primary clients the children, are also affected. Bullying can lead to workplace stress, poor morale, more people taking time off work, and a less productive workplace.
The Canada Safety Council reports that one in six employees has been bullied and that one in five employees has seen a coworker bullied. Within our local school system then, and in particular with the trustees that influence policy direction, I feel the topics of teacher morale and workplace bullying should be discussed. Am I the only one that feels this way?
Scott Montgomery
Comox Valley