May 7, 2024 — Nearly 100 PEF members employed at Kingsboro Psychiatric Center (KPC) in Brooklyn delivered a loud message to their bosses on the first day of May: Clean up the toxic work environment you’ve created, or get out of town.
PEF President Wayne Spence, VP Darlene Williams, Region 11 Coordinator Bernadette O’Connor and Division 252 Council Leaders joined rank and file members on May 1 outside KPC for a “Day of Action.” It was the culmination of months of smaller-scale actions intended to show management how displeased employees are by the disrespect and unfair treatment they experience at work.
“I know it’s not easy for KPC members to come out here and talk,” President Spence told the crowd. “I know because I’ve received over 60 anonymous emails that talked about the bullying, the retaliation, the nepotism that’s going on here for too many years.”
Members at the facility have been agitating since February, conducting a series of “Action Days,” which included wearing buttons and stickers emblazoned with the campaign logo, “Stop Workplace Bullying,” as well as releasing balloons in the parking lot to symbolize letting go of the toxicity that makes their work lives difficult.
“Our message to members is: ‘Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid, and stand up for what is right,’” said Region 11 Coordinator Bernadette O’Connor, who led the effort along with staff from PEF Organizing.
PEF has drafted legislation under consideration in Albany that defines workplace bullying and mandates training for employees and employers, similar to what the State does with sexual harassment. Meetings are expected to continue with top officials at Kingsboro and the Office of Mental Health to improve workplace morale at KPC.
Editor’s Note: If you have a workplace bullying story to share, visit www.pef.org/toxictales. PEF will work with you to figure out the best way to tell your story so that you are protected, and it has the greatest impact.
