2.1 Tale of a Union That Helps Its Bullied Members - MAPE - Workplace Bullying Podcast

Podcast 2.1. In contrast with the indifference too many unions show towards bullying of its members, MAPE (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees) is the model of compassion and action regarding workplace bullying. Kathy Fodness, the Business Agent who led the internal campaign, and Alice Percy, a state worker who served on the initial Task Force, describe what MAPE did -- from discovery, to purging toxic managers, to surveying members, to created an elaborate member education toolkit, to using a legislator to compel the State as employer to collaboratively create the first policy for all state workers, and sustaining the fight for the psychological safety of MAPE members. A must-hear tutorial for all union members who deserve similar service from their unions. Demand your union do the same!

[@kgauble]

I work for the Federal Gov't as a psychologist, and have worked for the agency for almost a decade. In my case, it is the top leadership as well as supervisor that have bullied me. I have filed multiple grievances with my Union that have only worked in the agency's favor. The most recent impact of bullying against me, by my immediate supervisor, was met with "the supervisor can do whatever they want" as stated by my Union. I was told to "just let it go."

[@sagapoetic8990]

I'm sorry you are going through this. The government attracts great people but sadly, it attracts alot of the psychological losers, too. Washington can be a vacuum for the power-dysfunctional. Bonus -- these people are great at impressing the higher ups and rise to the top too easily. The unions are pretty useless. I went to an AFGE local head -- and got sexually propositioned by him when I went to his office for help. Everyone else was having fun, I guess he thought joining in would be good, too. And since it's the government -- who will hold bullies accountable? If you aren't fortunate to be military or fall into another of the protected categories, which is likely most who experience this abuse because the bully-losers are smart how they do this -- you see why most people quit. It's a shame, because that is the goal of the bullies - to get you out. Try the office of an elected official who either is a member of the opposite political party for when this issue began or they care about government employees. Ask for the name of the staffer who handles government worker matters first. The laws are so weak and commonly ignored regarding workplace protections. Practice what you would say because you want to keep it short and focused and note why this is illegal and has broader impact how it interferes with agency mission and if possible, how the bully is impeding efficiency and costing the agency money. Bullies rely on HR and friends to perpetuate the myth how productive they are. Sure -- they have connections that provide them opportunities denied to most and are skilled speakers so they are good at spinning their benefit to the agency. Good luck to you and thank you for your service!!

[@kgauble]

@@sagapoetic8990 thank you for your kindness and sound advice. I will follow through!

[@sagapoetic8990]

@@kgauble Good luck. I hope things go your way.

[@YoYo-gt5iq]

But how can you let it go? A person like that will do nothing but squeeze you tighter I hope things have gotten better since you posted this.

[@blessed7015]

I got emotional while listening due to personal trauma and trauma that I have heard about as experienced in my profession/place of work. A union actually cared enough to help its workers! Now, these types of programs need to be mandated in ALL workplaces. I know this is a long shot, but this is a start. Thanks for your work and service! WBI is doing great things!

[@ginakim3313]

Thank you again, Dr. Namie. I shared this with Protec17

[@YoYo-gt5iq]

I had a job where when I left on Friday I spent the rest of the weekend dreading the coming monday.

[@bobbileehall3567]

Go Gary! Congrats on your podcast! I will be listening on a regular basis. 😄

[@janephilip9701]

I work for municipal government, the 22 years of bullying, abused, intimidation, harassment, pinning employee against employee has become the organization standards, pride and commitment to ruined lives!!! Hard working employees cannot survive without surrendering to this workplace practice. I've confronted suicidal twice. Union failed members, yet to recognized how damaging Bullying has changed lives

[@ginakim3313]

Oh, I share your sentiments. Considered the same.

[@workrelations]

And Gary, what about "political mobbing"?

[@luclongly529]

My work place mobbing followed me home 🏡 I even found out that my own government and family participated in it, it's also called "GANGSTALKING" a.k.a. zersetzung 😢

[@georgemort2499]

I am about to lose everything cuz know one Believe me, I don’t work around those don’t know so a lot of it does affect my whole life, family life and fix my attitude my sleep by eating my work out my every day life and I’m just really looking for help

[@PhotoAmbrosia]

Captions please, 😅

[@georgemort2499]

Please contact me I need help with this I am going through it I even been assaulted and Threaten to be fired because I want to press charges on the guy that assaulted me even though I defended myself I try to use my history my past everything against me. I’m just so sick of all the races on the heat in the bowl in the favoritism, the abuse that goes on my workplace because I’m in the Union, nobody will touch my case and somebody please help me.

[@ginakim3313]

How are you doing now