As workplace harassment complaints engulf city hall, members of the London Police Service have now come forward with allegations of their own.
As of Thursday, a total of five women members of the police force have come forward with allegations of workplace harassment, according to London Abused Women’s Centre Executive Director Megan Walker.
"All of the women who have called our office have indicated that they are being harassed in a largely male-dominated police service by men because they are women," she said.
City Councillor Mo Salih, who is the chair of the police services board, said he has spoken to a number of his board colleagues and intends to bring up these recent allegations at their next meeting.
"These are important conversations and conversations that are needed. I think this is something that needs to be addressed at every workforce," he said. "I think it is positive people are feeling confident enough to come speak up at this stage -- we want to make sure we have a welcoming workforce."
Walker said she has reached out to the London Police Association, which has indicated if there are any problems with harassment, they will be dealt with.
"There seems to be a general willingness to take action," she said.
While she could not disclose if the women were sworn officers or civilians, Walker said three out of the five came forward as a result of the numerous recent complaints coming to light at city hall.
Dozens of allegations of harassment, abuse, and retaliation in the workplace within city hall, specifically the fire department, came to light this week following a special two-hour closed-door meeting of city council on Monday. When councillors returned to public session all they would report was that “progress” had been made.
Hours later, London City Manager Martin Hayward released a statement that said the city was committed to ensuring a workplace that is free of harassment and discrimination of any kind. Mayor Matt Brown also issued a statement the following day but said he would not speak to “allegations and information collected by a third party.”
Walker said due to the sheer volume of calls that have come in this week, the women's centre has been having difficulty getting back to everyone. She said as of noon on Wednesday, a total of 68 individuals have come forward detailing incidents of workplace harassment the majority being City of London employees.
"At this point, we are at a very difficult position with the city because there have been so many complaints over so many years that have simply been dismissed, that now we're dealing with an onslaught of complaints all at one time," she said. "One complaint should be enough. When you reach 68 it's a tsunami... It's time to take action."
The London Abused Women's Centre is calling on city hall to issue an appoligy to any employee who has faced retaliation for coming foward. As well, the centre is pushing for an independent review to be conducted by a body outside of London to initiative a cultural shift in the working environment at city hall.
-With files from Miranda Chant
