The TUTB is holding a restricted seminar on 9 - 10 December 2004, intended solely for trade union experts, on the subject of violence and harassment in the workplace. An attempt will be made at this seminar to reach a consensus on the issues to be addressed as a priority, given that the terms "harassment" and "violence" can cover phenomena as diverse as:

physical violence

• when interacting with third parties: teachers, carers, police officers and other community workers, etc.; sales staff, marketing agents, employees of dispute and complaint departments, etc.
• related to the handling of money or goods (jewellery, weapons, etc.)

psychological violence (mobbing, bullying)

• mobbing
• verbal abuse (call centre staff, etc.)
• sexual harassment
• racism and other forms of discrimination

defence mechanisms against anticipated violence or inverted psychological violence (teachers and young women: USA, Canada, etc.)

post-traumatic stress (as a consequence of the above)

• following an act of violence on the victim him/herself
• after being present during an act of violence on someone else
• following a colleague's suicide or serious accident

Discussion will focus on the various national approaches and experiences of risk assessment and response, with a view to a dynamic management of risk.

TUTB contact-person: