Pennsylvanians work hard and deserve safe workplaces where they can thrive. Unfortunately, workplace bullying is far too prevalent.  This form of mistreatment may involve physical and verbal abuse, purposeful interference to destroy a worker’s job performance or other behaviors intended to humiliate, intimidate, or threaten.  
 
To address this important workplace issue, I worked with constituents and stakeholders to develop the Safe Workplace Act. This legislation is a companion to House Bill 863 introduced by Rep. Pat Harkins. The Safe Workplace Act will extend court-ordered relief for victims of workplace bullying not currently fitting in a protected class under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.  Relief afforded abused workers include reinstatement; reimbursement for lost wages and medical expenses; compensation for pain and suffering; punitive damages; and attorney’s fees. 

Workplace bullying has serious ramifications, is disruptive, and can ruin careers.  We should make Pennsylvania’s workplaces a safe and healthy environment for all workers.