A violent workplace is an unsafe workplace. Unfortunately, employers are often not willing to work with the union to attack the problem. Supervisors sometimes laugh off employee requests for police accompaniment when going alone into neighborhoods that are so dangerous that even armed police would not enter them alone. Some supervisors discourage employees from filing workers compensation claims or taking time off for violence-related workplace injuries. Some blame the worker for a violent incident.
Some workers blame themselves.
When the employer is not willing to work aggressively on solving the problem, the union must take action to educate workers and force management to act. Union Action Talk to workers, conduct a survey. Urge members to document all assault incidents, close calls, and abusive behavior. This data should be reviewed on a regular basis and discussed with management. Keep members informed through the local union newsletter.