An Act providing for legal protections from abusive work environments and for remedies.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This act, the Safe Workplace Act, establishes legal protections against abusive work environments and provides remedies for employees experiencing such conditions. It defines ‘abusive conduct’ as unwelcome, degrading behavior that creates a toxic or hostile work environment, encompassing actions like consistent criticism, unreasonable workloads, and retaliation. The act also outlines procedures for employers to address complaints and prohibits retaliation against employees who raise concerns. It aims to create safer and more respectful workplaces for Pennsylvania employees.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘abusive conduct’ and ‘abusive work environment’ with specific examples.
- Prohibits employers and employees from retaliating against individuals who oppose abusive practices.
- Requires employers to implement preventative and responsive measures to address bullying complaints.
- Establishes a transparent complaint process for reporting bullying.
- Outlines affirmative defenses for employers regarding performance evaluations and investigations.
- Provides a civil action for employees affected by abusive work environments.
- Specifies potential remedies, including reinstatement, back pay, and emotional distress damages.
- Addresses collective bargaining agreements, ensuring they don’t conflict with the act’s protections.
Who is affected
- Employees
- Employers
- Supervisors
- Businesses
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 1543 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Christine Tartaglione
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