Workplace harassment is bullying at it worst. Our city seems to be placing more emphasis on the breach of protocol by Coun. Brian Skakun than on the poisoned workplace and personal damage perpetrated by former top cop Dahl Chambers.
City hall was in a position, and had the authority, to take action to investigate and correct a deplorable situation. Instead, some chose to ignore that harassment. This was willful blindness.
When an organizational structure allows denial of responsibility, bad behaviour in effect becomes sanctioned by the organization - no one wants to admit it exists.
Coun. Brian Skakun has been fined through the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act for trying to do what no one else at city hall had the personal fortitude to do: treat harassed city employees with respect and order an apology.
Does an apology return the loss of sleep, dignity or good health? A reputation?
Just ask Sherri McLean Smith or Ken Corrigan or Linda Thompson if they know how hard it was to go to work every day under such degrading conditions just to keep feeding their families.
As city councillor, Skakun went where others fear to tread. After many unsuccessful efforts to take the politically route, he became a whistleblower.
Harassment can ruin lives. Coun. Skakun has now become the target. Skakun has dedicated many good years to the betterment of Prince George, for its citizens, on city council.
The censure now being sought by council seems not only punitive but vindictive.
Should protocol always trump morality?
The July 27 Citizen editorial had it right: It sounds like a possible toxic workplace environment. All posturing and legal wrangling aside, it's time for council to leave Mr. Skakun alone.
By the way, anti-bullying programs in our schools teach students to speak out and speak truth to authority. What then does this situation teach our children?
Jan Manning
Prince George Citizen
