Vancouver Park Board accused of racism and toxic workplace culture

Emotions ran high at the July 18 Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation meeting after an employee accused the board of engaging in racism and workplace harassment.

“In my first three months working with the parks board as an operations worker I’ve witnessed widespread fear of management,” said Jose Raphael, who identified himself as an operations worker when he spoke during the public speakers time at the gathering.

At that point during the meeting, the board was discussing a new code of conduct policy, which the commissioners included in the agenda.

“Within my first week I’ve been subject to racism in the workplace by supervisors, I’ve witnessed repeated violations of the city’s current bullying and harassment policies-,” Raphael stated, before being cut off by board chair Camil Dumont.

“Jose, I am just going to stop you for a second. What you’re describing sounds very serious and I’ve just been informed by our general manager, it’s clearly a human resources matter. And your presence here, may have repercussions for yourself and so on,” said Dumont.

Dumont suggested that the meeting was not an appropriate place to discuss the issue, and that Raphael should talk to a member of the Vancouver Parks Board staff. The complainant agreed with the recommendation, before adding “I hope whatever new policies do come, that it actually reflects the operations of the city.”

As the @parkboard discusses its code of conduct policy, a man identifying himself as a @parkboard employee stepped forward to say this:#vanpoli pic.twitter.com/KImAH1OLnX

— Jordan Armstrong (@jarmstrongbc) July 19, 2022

Employers must react to workplace harassment

Employees have a right to work in an environment free of bullying and harassment. It is illegal for a worker to be discriminated against based on protected aspects such as age, race, and gender.

All employers in B.C. must implement a bullying and harassment policy. All staff, including management, must be trained on how to respond to instances of workplace harassment or inappropriate conduct.

If an employee experiences harassment from a coworker or supervisor, they should report the incident to the appropriate individual at the company, as per the employer’s policy. The employer is required to investigate the claim and take the necessary steps to put a stop to the harassment and ensure a safe workplace.

LISTEN: Vancouver employment lawyer Dan Balkaran discusses employee rights and workplace investigations with Jill Bennett on 980 CKNW.

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Filing a human rights complaint

An employee who experiences discrimination in the workplace has the option of filing a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. The tribunal is responsible for dealing with human rights complaints pertaining to the BC Human Rights Code. Successful complaints can result in compensation for the individual who experienced discrimination.

The B.C. employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP regularly assist employees with human rights complaints to ensure that they get proper compensation following unwarranted workplace harassment.

WATCH: Employment Lawyer Lior Samfiru explains what you need to know about workplace harassment on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Resignation with severance pay

A workplace becomes poisoned, or “toxic,” if an employer fails to properly respond and put a stop to workplace harassment. If the company ignores your complaints or allows the problem to continue, you do have options. You may be able to resign from your job with full severance – as much as 24 months’ pay depending on certain factors. This is referred to as a constructive dismissal.

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Contact an employment lawyer

It is important that you do not resign before talking to an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. Our team has helped tens of thousands of Canadians protect their rights, and can help you get the compensation you are entitled to when your workplace has become stressful and toxic.