Warning: This story contains references to sensitive issues including violence, racism, self-harm and harassment
A government-funded report released to CTV News highlights “systemic racism” against dozens of black executives in the federal civil service, including allegations of abuse, violence and harassment that led to suicide in some cases. I’m doing it.
An internal report titled “Research on the black executive community in the federal civil serviceA paper by Dr. Rachel Zellers for the Federal Black Executives Network and published on November 4th identifies 73 incumbents who worked in senior positions in the federal government between October 2023 and February 2024. and interviewed former black employees.
The report found that the interviews “revealed a pattern of anti-Black discrimination characterized by disparate treatment, abuse, brutality, denial, and subjugation.”
Several Black executives interviewed in the study spoke of “complaints and threats” used to punish their mistakes, including one who “witnessed racial harassment that led to the suicide of a Black colleague.” spoke.
“Black employees are not allowed to make mistakes. That’s a big problem. I had two generous sponsors in my career, but my boss wasn’t. A small mistake could cost me two or three years of my career. A mistake can lead to a setback, or even the end of it altogether. There is not enough tolerance for black employees, and I have seen it time and time again throughout my career.” said an anonymous black federal official interviewed.
“One former executive told how a white colleague shoved a chair at him and threatened to “act with violence.” [N-word] walked out of him during a meeting with other participants,” the report states.
Challenges to Black Women’s Leadership
The report found that black female executives in the federal public sector are constantly challenged and experience “hopeless and dehumanizing conditions.”
In the study, 64% of Black executives reported direct “workplace harassment or intimidation” or threats of reputational damage from their bosses or senior leaders. Among this group, Black women had the highest rate of harassment and intimidation at 78%.
During interviews, four Black women said they had attempted suicide as a result of workplace harassment, and many other Black women said they had fought back because the work environment led to chronic depression and ongoing mental health issues. He said he started using depressants.
Black women in top-level roles in the public sector have also spoken out about the violence and sexual harassment they have experienced.
“One woman who had been sexually advances by a director said she did not report it because she was already discouraged by years of stagnation and being denied opportunities by white colleagues,” the report states.
Report released during promotion of black class action lawsuit
The report comes as advocacy groups representing about 45,000 current and former black public servants dating back to 1970 are laying the groundwork for a potential class-action lawsuit against the federal government.
A federal court hearing in early November will see permission to proceed with the lawsuit, which seeks $2.5 billion in damages and a diversity plan to ensure black Canadians are represented in public service in all governments. I’m trying. Level and the Black Equity Commission will oversee the implementation of diversity measures.
“This lawsuit has been filed against 99 departments across the federal government,” Nicholas Marcus Thompson, CEO of the Black Class Action Office, said in an interview with CTV News on Saturday.
”[It is] “It’s about dealing with loss of pension, loss of pay, pain and suffering,” he added, adding: “People left in the same position they started in.”
Recommendations highlighted in the report
The Federal Black Executive Survey also highlights several recommendations for the federal government to implement, including a zero-tolerance policy for anti-Black harassment.
When it comes to maintaining a harassment-free workplace for black civil servants, it suggests that senior leaders take “consequential responsibility through performance reviews.”
The report also recommends achieving employment equity by increasing the representation of Black business owners at all levels.
In response to the report, the Finance Commission of Canada said it acknowledges that systemic racism exists within the federal civil service, but that it has implemented measures to address workplace complaints rather than resort to litigation. He said procedures are in place within the civil service.
“The Federal Public Sector Labor Relations Act (FPSLRA) outlines the rules for collective bargaining and grievance procedures in the federal public sector,” said Mya Tomasi, spokesperson for the Treasury Department of Canada. “Section 236 of the Act prohibits courts from hearing disputes that are subject to the Act’s grievance process, and therefore the Act’s grievance process cannot be circumvented by individual litigation. should use established processes instead of taking separate legal actions.”
