It is the Engager’s responsibility — under both Equity’s Collective Agreements or Engagement Policies and provincial law — to create and maintain a workplace that is safe and respectful for all workers.
The Engager has a further obligation to provide workers with a recourse for raising concerns without fear of reprisal and to promptly investigate any safety concerns or incidents of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
Please consult the applicable Equity collective agreement or engagement policy for specific terms and conditions pertaining to workplace safety.
Every person employed in Canada has the right to a safe work environment. The Occupational Health and Safety Act or equivalent in your jurisdiction entitles all workers to three essential rights:
Equity is committed to working with Engagers to raise awareness of everyone’s right to a respectful workplace and to promote zero tolerance for acts of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
A key component of this initiative is Equity’s Not in OUR Space! Program — a collection of resource materials to educate and empower both Artists and Engagers.
Engagers are required to have a Respectful Workplace Policy that must be shared with Equity and all workers. The policy should affirm the theatre’s commitment to providing and maintaining a respectful workplace, as well as clear procedures for reporting and investigating allegations of unprofessional conduct or inappropriate behaviour.
A rep from the Theatre and an Equity member are required to present a “Respectful Workplace Statement” at the first day of rehearsals and again, should it be requested. The statement should outline their commitment to providing and maintaining a respectful workplace, as well as how to bring forward any concerns.
The Engager has a responsibility to conduct an investigation of any complaint they receive regarding the workplace. The process for receiving and investigating a complaint should be outlined for all workers in the Engager’s Respectful Workplace Policy.
Equity must be notified of any complaint brought forward by an Equity member or made against an Equity member. Upon written consent of the Equity member, the Engager will share a summary report of the actions and findings of any investigation with Equity.
Equity members working under most agreements and policies must elect a Liaison to represent the Equity members in matters related to the activity/production.
Equity must be informed who is elected as the Liaison. A member (most often the Stage Manager) can submit a Liaison Election form through their myEquity account.
Have questions or need more information?
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