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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 1, 2022 12:00 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Patrick J. Harkins |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Healthy Workplace |
| Pennsylvanians work hard. Hours spent on the job away from family and friends are taxing enough without the threat of being victimized at work. Unfortunately, workplace bullying is far too prevalent. This form of mistreatment may involve physical and verbal abuse, purposeful interference to destroy a worker’s job performance or other behaviors intended to humiliate, intimidate, or threaten. To address this important workplace issue, this legislation will extend court-ordered relief for victims of workplace bullying not currently fitting in a protected class under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Relief afforded abused workers includes reinstatement; reimbursement for lost wages and medical expenses; compensation for pain and suffering; punitive damages; and attorney’s fees. Although these occurrences may not be blatantly apparent, workplace bullying has serious ramifications, is disruptive, and can ruin careers. Together, we can work to make Pennsylvania’s workplaces a safe and healthy environment for all workers. This legislation was previously introduced as HB 1551 of 2021 and was previously sponsored by Representatives Ciresi, Kinsey, Neilson, Sanchez, and Schlossberg. |
Introduced as HB307