Upper Leacock Fire Company

SOG's

  

 

Section 25    Sexual Harassment Guideline
 

1.    Sexual Harassment DEFINITION:

            -- Submission to such conduct is either an explicit o implicit term or condition of membership (example:          training, promotion, special assignments, etc.)

            -- Submission to or rejection of the conduct used as a basis for making general business decisions

            -- The conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's performance of their    duties, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

2.    All Members have the right to perform their duties in an environment free from all forms of discrimination and conduct which can be considered harassing, coercive or disruptive, including sexual harassment.

3.    The Upper Leacock Fire Company has taken a position that sexual harassment undermines the integrity of its membership relationships. No Member, either male or female, should be subject o unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct, either verbal or physical. Sexual harassment DOES NOT refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behavior that is NOT WELCOME, THAT IS PERSONALLY OFFENSIVE, THAT DEBILITATES MORALE, AND INTERFERES WITH YOUR ABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS TO PERFORM YOUR DUTIES WITH IN THE FIRE COMPANY.

4.    This policy pertains to ALL Fire Company Members during ALL Fire Company functions.

5.    Sexual harassment is unlawful and violates this policy, whether a Fire Company Officer or regular Fire Company Member commits it. Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited and all WRITTEN COMPLAINTS SHALL be investigated. All sexual harassment complaints must be on an approved Fire Company Complaint form before they are investigated. ALL written complaints are REQUIRED to be investigated by the Board of Trustees.

6.    Disciplinary action MAY be taken against Fire Company Members who violate this policy only if a written complain was filed and found to be valid during the investigation by the Board of Trustees. All disciplinary actions implemented SHALL follow the Disciplinary Code Guideline and SHALL be issued by the Board of Trustees. Disciplinary action CAN range from verbal warning, 10,30, or 60 day suspension, or membership dismissal.

7.    In the event that a sexual harassment complaint is filed against a Board of Trustee Member, that type of complaint will be filed and investigated by the Fire Company President and Fire Chief.

8.    The Board of Trustees must carefully and discreetly investigate all written complaints. The Board of Trustees is permitted to inquire the assistance of an outside agency, such as Law Enforcement, etc. during their investigation.

9.    All Fire Company Members are encouraged to report and file a complaint against any acts of sexual harassment and are REQUIRED to complete and submit their complaint within 30 days of actual violation date. Complaints will not be investigated if they are received after 30 days from the violation date it is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees to provide guidance, investigate violations of the impropriety, and implement appropriate actions against Members when applicable.

10.    All written sexual harassment complaints should be investigated thoroughly by the Board of Trustees and should be concluded with in 30 days of receiving the complaint. Notification is REQUIRED to be made to the victim and accused when a conclusion has been reached during a sexual harassment investigation. If the complaint has been investigated and found to be valid, disciplinary action MAY be taken immediately after the notification has been made to the victim and the accused.

11.    This policy also prohibits retaliation against Members who file a sexual harassment complaint or assist in a sexual harassment investigation. Any Member who files a sexual harassment complaint or assists in the investigation process WILL NOT be adversely affected in the terms and conditions of their membership status nor discriminated against or dismissed from membership from the Fire Company because of the complaint filed or assistance rendered in the investigation.

 

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Page last edited: 03/12/06

© Upper Leacock Fire Company 2003