Local 40 is committed to ensuring that all of its meetings and activities are safe environments where members are encouraged to speak.  Existing members are encouraged to welcome, mentor and support new members and equity-seeking members.

 Local 40 strives to promote core values which include the principles of solidarity, equality, democracy, integrity, and respect.  We are committed to mobilizing our energy and skills to work together to promote these values and to attain these goals in our union, our communities, and globally.

 Local 40 is committed to creating a union which is inclusive, welcoming, and free from harassment, discrimination and all types of bullying and intimidation.  Local 40 needs to ensure that it provides a safe environment for members, staff and elected officers to carry out our work.  Local 40 expects that mutual respect, understanding and co-operation will be the basis of all our interaction.

 This Code of Conduct for Local 40 sets out standards of behaviour for members at meetings, and all other events organized by Local 40.  It is consistent with the expectations outlined in the Equality Statement, CUPE National Constitution and these bylaws.  It does not apply to complaints arising in the workplace, as those are dealt with through the grievance procedure and/or the applicable workplace harassment policy.

As members of Local 40 we commit to one another and to the union to be governed by the principles of the Code of Conduct and agree to:

 Abide by the provisions of the Equality Statement;

• Respect the views of others, even when we disagree;
• Recognise and value individual differences;
• Communicate openly;
• Support and encourage each other;
• Make sure that we do not harass or discriminate against each other;
• Commit to not engaging in offensive comment or conduct;
• Make sure that we do not act in ways that are aggressive, bullying, or intimidating; and
• Take responsibility for not engaging in inappropriate behaviour due to abuse of alcohol or other drugs while participating in union activities, including social events.

 Harassment is objectionable behaviour which may include actions, language, gestures, and/or written material, and which the harasser knows or ought reasonably to know is abusive and unwelcome.  Bullying is a form of harassment which is serious ongoing behaviour which targets an individual or group and which threatens that person or persons’ mental and/or physical well-being.