Clear language and harassment training
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3261 approached the Sexual Harassment Office, University of Toronto, suggesting training for the University's 800 cleaning and care taking staff (CUPE members). They agreed that CUPE would deliver the training using its own three-hour workshop on workplace harassment. As always, the workshop was modified to meet the specifics of the workplace and local.
The majority of the members to be trained spoke English as a second language. This meant that material had to be adapted, because the language used in some of the workshop materials was too technical. This also affected the workshop delivery method. Few participants felt confident enough about their language skills to volunteer for the usual role of workshop recorders and reporters.
Responding to the participants' language needs, CUPE adjusted their workshop method by:
- ensuring that each small group included members who could translate for their brothers and sisters
- stressing oral information
- using larger groups based on how many members volunteered to be recorders and reporters
- speaking in clear language
- reviewing the design of the handouts to improve their readability
- revising technical definitions and including examples for each definition