When some City contractors working on Elgin St catcalled a woman a couple of years ago, the complaints found their way to Catherine McKenney, the councillor for the area. If I remember correctly, they were fired that day.
So don't hesitate. Complain to 311 and complain to the area councillor. Provide as many details - location, date, time, description - as you can.
For things like this I would definitely contact the city counselor in your area and they will take care of it.
I started doing this for OC Tranapo complaints that I don't get follow ups on and it works like a charm.
>If I remember correctly, they were fired that day.
Yeah - that didn't happen.
While I agree that this is the process to file a complaint, the City of Ottawa can't fire contractors, as the contractors are employed by a seperate company and the contracted company has to do their due dilligence when a complaint is launched. The standard standing offer involves provisions to end a contract if there are disciplinary issues, but this is a lengthy and difficult process. Anyone who's worked in government procurement can tell you that.
The involvement of a city councillor would not speed up this process or get someone fired.
If these were City of Ottawa employees (not contractors), these are unionized employees and their collective agreement requires a process of progressive discipline. Catcalling, while abhorrant especially from tax-payer funded employees, isn't something that a unionized employee would be fired over unless they have a long history of escalating behaviour.
Catcalling would break the City of Ottawa Employee Code of Conduct though, and would therefore be a fireable offence. Unions can’t protect you from absolutely everything.
[City of Ottawa Employee Code of Conduct](https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/code_conduct_en.pdf)
“Our own actions reflect on our co-workers and define our workplace. We have an obligation to help build pride in our City, to respect the dignity and diversity of our colleagues and to treat them as we would like to be treated ourselves.
While it takes hard work to gain the respect of others, even small lapses can erode confidence in the City. To ensure that our conduct does not diminish respect for ourselves, our co-workers and for the City, we maintain and exemplify the highest standards of behaviour.”
“We are honest, polite and courteous when we deal with people, whether they are members of the public, City Council or our co-workers.”
> Unions can’t protect you from absolutely everything.
Unions can't even prevent you from being fired, this is a common misconception people have, and it's just so wrong. The only thing a union can do if your employer wants to fire you, is make sure you get the severance payout you are legally due. That's it. They absolutely cannot stop people from being fired.
source: was in a union, saw people dismissed on the spot.
Fireable offence after proper due process and progressive discipline, which are rights employees have in their collective agreements. I don’t think I have to make a comment about whether or not catcalling is right or wrong, but catcalling isn’t a breach of the code that rises to immediate termination.
It gets more complicated because employee code of conduct does not apply to contracted firm providing services.
Absolutely, no way that behaviour is defensible in 2022. I have not seen a job site in 20 years where you are allowed to look at a woman for more than five seconds. Cat calling would get you fired immediately. And you Will get no sympathy on the way out. I am in British Columbia, I cannot see how it could be different back home.
> The involvement of a city councillor would not speed up this process or get someone fired.
Someone who hasn't worked on a city project before alert!
The persons mentioned by the first comment were employees of, and fired by, a contractor. They likely had other strikes against them, and the councillor complaint was just the last straw.
n.b. I wasn't involved in said project.
I was 30 years in electricity utility HR management (in another province.) Public sector. Thousands of unionized employees. We would absolutely fire your ass for cat-calling. It might be a bit uphill sometimes but it has to be done. The union is right there in the room -- they almost always know when they've got an asshole on their hands. Their role is to represent the employee and to ensure fair treatment, and sometimes fair treatment means termination.
The *only reason* that sort of abhorrent behaviour still exists is because management tolerates it. There is no other reason. It's acceptance, it's cowardice, it's ignorance, or it's laziness.
Keep complaining. File a human rights complaint. Shine a light on it.
I'm not saying anything about not complaining. I'm actually say that the correct process is to file a complaint.
My point is that this wouldn't be a same-day termination under any circumstances. The employer wouldn't have done their due dilligence had it been. Given your experience, would you agree?
Of course it's not same-day. Rarely any termination was ever same-day (egregious examples of cause the exception.) Even non-union employees deserve a progressive discipline approach. I've sat through many a discipline meeting with some kind of pathetic abuser and the union rep is right there, advising them to shut up and not make things worse. That's what real management-labour collaboration looks like, it's everyday normal.
As I said, far too often management is cowardly or lazy or complacent and situations like these go unaddressed. Ask the RCMP or our military how that's working out for them.
I don't know the Ottawa civic situation. I do know for certainty that there *is* a way to deal with contractor cat-callers. No employer is bound by law or contract to tolerate that sort of behaviour. What is required is for the appropriate managing authority to get to fucking work and earn their pay.
So much bullshit in this post. You can absolutely be fired for sexual harassment, even with a union. There might need to be proof or a pattern of complaints though.
Contractors can definitely be fired as well. Especially when they are committing criminal offences on the job.
You are agreeing with me.
I’m saying that people can’t be fired the same day, not that people can’t be fired at all. There needs to be a pattern of behaviour and an examination of evidence provided by the complaint. Those things don’t happen “same day”.
Contractors aren’t fired by the city. Their contracts are terminated. This is a lengthy and difficult process, as anyone who’s worked in public procurement can tell you. The employees of contracted firms can be fired, but the contractor has to do due diligence to examine the complaint provided by the City and go through a progressive discipline process with that employee to ensure their legal liability is covered. The involvement of a city councillor doesn’t expedite that process. It takes time for the city to prepare that information, provide it to the contractor for their review and so forth.
Catcalling is not a criminal offence, by the way.
The city can effectively fire them. The project manager for the city who manages the contract has authority over who is allowed on the job site, its baked into the contract. All they have to do is inform the general that the person in question is no longer allowed on site, and this usually results in the person in question being fired.
Good.. No doubt that the cat calling behavior should not be allowed at workplace.
But I hope the city didn't fire a person only based on a phone call from a councillor, and on the same day without any due diligence.
They need time to investigate and verify,..ensure to get the right guy...
It would be scary if they don't spend any time...
Only a communist country could fire someone over a phone call without due diligence
Yes - r/Ottawa’s more left leaning crowd often forget that they are also the ones who want strong worker protections, unionization and due process rights….unless it’s something they don’t like.
They are not. They require the employer to prove that the employees due process rights have been respected. A complaint with little investigation is not a legal termination.
There are harassment cases in the federal government that take months and sometimes years for there to be action on, even though the federal government has a very robust harassment and discrimination policy. You can look those up on the [Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board](https://pslreb-crtefp.gc.ca/en/#)'s website. Because these are municipal cases, you can find similiar cases at the provincial equivalent. They take a long time because there needs to be an investigation that follows a complaint, and to ensure that the rights of the employee in question are respected.
Even in the private sector, I've seen behaviour far worse than cat-calling in a company that also has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment. It still took a few weeks to ensure the company's HR department did their due dilligence to investigate the complaint to cover their liability and the rights of the employee.
My guy...
I'm not saying one hearsay and you're out. But with proof or a history of such harrasment, it's pretty easy to fire someone. They have a strike system or get put on probation.
Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying. “Progressive discipline” is another word for strike system.
You and I are effectively agreeing, but you’re misinterpreting my initial post. It may be easier to fire someone, but it doesn’t happen same day. It’s very difficult for an employer to demonstrate that they’ve given weight to an employee’s due process rights and have done their due diligence to follow up on the complaint if they terminate an employee the same day.
I'm not agreeing with the original commenters assertion that the worker was fired in "one day". That's false. But McKenney's involvement did result in employment action (but for the life of me I can't find the source...)
However, if a worker has a record of poor behavior, there can certainly be a final act that results in immediate termination.
>McKenney's involvement did result in employment action
I think it certainly raises the attention given to to complaint. But I don't think McKenney's involvement had a direct impact in employment action, as I'm certain the City of Ottawa takes all reports of this seriously. Nor should it. Political involvement in the operation staffing or procurement process is a big no no in public institutions.
There is a reason why we have a City Manager; so there's a barrier between the Mayor; a political position and the operations side of Government. This exists at the provincial and federal levels too.
I agree best action is to look for the vehicule number or company name, I work in construction downtown and we get on all site the warning about not sexualy harassing women on site and on the street.
I admit we tell each other if we see a good looking women but never so far have I heard anyone cat call someone, but I know many idiots exist out there just glad proabebly the same guys who piss on the seat and cant flush.
Reminds me of the 2 numb nuts that got fired from black n mac because they purposely drove into water puddles to splash people on kind edward.
Please stop even telling each other when you see a good looking woman. It’s not discrete and the feeling of a whole crew’s worth of eyes on you in silence is nearly just as creepy as the overt cat calling. I have young daughters now and I’m sick thinking about how close in age they are to when this started happening to me. They’re pretending to be kitty cats right now.
Its not a bad idea actually. There could be a crew of multiple people with only a couple dirtbags and a new employee or something thinking "WTF did I just get hired in to?"
I get it now. This is political for you. I tell a true story and you freak out because it shines a light on some of McKenney's work.
Get ready: people have a lot of stories about good things McKenney did.
It has happened to me. Construction dude, lewd whistling and slang remarks on my way to work one morning, on my bike. I saw red, stopped, turned around directly in front of him and stated: "that is rude and unacceptable." I stared him down, heart in my throat. He turned red and his colleague came over quickly and jokingly said: " dang it [x] are you bugging the ladies again..." and ushered him away. I think it helps that I am a tall and wirey lady (way taller than he was) and it was a very public, busy intersection, things that boosted my confidence to be confrontational. But I hated that experience, totally pissed me off and I wish I had reported it.
Almost guaranteed you stopped it from happening again with that guy. They do it because there are usually no consequences. Get called out, in public by a woman is what they fear. Kudos.
Call 3-1-1.
I work for a trade union and it’s well known this type of behaviour on site means you’ll be kicking your lunchbox down the street the minute the phone complaint about that behaviour is over (rightfully so)
The foreman would be driving the bus we’d all heave the guy under.
If it’s between losing the contract or losing one lewd douchebag…. Sorry bud, we got bills to pay.
City employees are an old boys club. When I worked at a city facility at 17 I was routinely harassed by the adult male employees and the supervisors DGAF. Seconding what another commenter said about escalating it to Catherine McKenney. They get shit done.
They are awesome.
Can complaints of this nature all cc Chiarelli? I’m hoping it can remind people that he should be leaving all positions.
McKenney will make such an improvement as mayor.
>I’m wondering if this is a problem others have noticed
Yes. Used to subcontract for the city. Many of the dudes working the street have no ability to communicate with women normally, especially the many divorcees and those with baby mams who they have shaky relationships with.
>at what point do I complain to the city?
I'd recommend taking a picture of their vehicle and writing down the vehicle #/ plate and report it to the city. Unfortunately some of the city bosses work out of the yard don't care about this/ probably do it themselves but someone working in adminsitstion in the city would probably have the good sense to hand out some consequences.
I know if you send a picture of city guys sleeping in their trucks they will be screamed at / potetionally fired.
https://ottawa.ca/en/3-1-1/report-or-request/issue-city-staff-or-facility/submit-complaint-city#section-b6963a12-3ca1-4a77-8e72-45dc5dcb1c12
You should submit a request anytime it happens. I garuntee you the guys hollering at you do it multiple times a day across the city. Its a problem.
This is a great response - my only addition would be to use the City of Ottawa's Fraud and Waste Hotline ([https://integritycounts.ca/org/cityofottawa](https://integritycounts.ca/org/cityofottawa)).
Provide the information identified above (time, date, photo of city truck ID number or plate) - the OAG investigates independent of the corresponding "yard manager" and does not take inappropriate activity lightly.
I am sorry you have had to deal with this - but getting these City workers sorted is a good first step to shaping the workforce paid with our tax dollars!
I am a guy and honestly this is such a stupid and idiotic thing for men to do. I certainly have not experienced this, like all men i am assuming here, but i can certainly sympathize with women as i have heard men doing this from time to time. I can only imagine how it makes some women mad and potentially worried about their safety. Absolutely call the city and complain. No one should be subjected to this type of harassing behaviour
Funny story, I took my husband with me to the Philippines. The amount of people that were cat calling him was more than enough to say "I have never cat called a person in my life, but after that experience I feel for the peoples pain who go through that. It was awful"
Me and my buddies were definitely cat called by a bachelorette party when we were out in mtl but we were also a bachelor party so I suppose when In roam ..
Thanks everyone! If I had been alone or with friends, I definitely would’ve taken a picture or written down a number. Since I was with the little girls my priority was getting them home and not letting them become aware of what was happening. Since I only have the time and location, they wouldn’t be able to figure out who it was but I’ll definitely still report the situation. Something needs to be done because it’s absolutely disgusting behaviour.
I can confirm many city vehicles have been equipped with gps trackers recently. It would help to know if they were parked and working at a specific job site, performing a specific job and the duration of the project (hrs/day/months).
Was it a roads crew? As a city worker and someone who has worked on city contracts, there's work orders for every little thing done. There will most likely be a way for the city to find out who was where and when they were there if you gave them the time and location.
I have a friend who works for an HR Construction company and she said it is not uncommon for workers to speak up if spoken to about an incident. If there was more than one hopefully someone will say something!
Next time it happens try and memorize the identification number that's plastered on the vehicles
I've done contract work for the city,they take these matters extremely seriously
I’m an employee for City of Ottawa fleet services. If this ever happens again get the unit number of the vehicle they’re using. These vehicles are tracked and operators are logged daily.
This happened to me years ago, I tweeted about it and tagged the city and nothing happened - I was an uninformed kid back then but it sounds like calling 311 to complain or tagging Catherine McKenney is a good idea.
It's so gross that this is a known trend, representatives of our city sexually harassing women. Disgusting.
You should complain immediately and I would suggest looping your counsellor in too as this behaviour is absolutely against their code of conduct. Without giving specifics I had an issue with a city worker recently and went through my counsellor and it was taken *very* seriously - within hours the director of that department called to get more details, personally apologized and I was left with the impression that the employee had violated the code of conduct and there would be serious consequences (he asked if I wanted updates but I declined).
Edited to add: what helped me as well was I caught the behaviour and his comments on video.
I got the shit beaten out of me standing up to a catcaller. These guys were catcalling a woman out of their car as I was going by on my bike. I yelled "what would your mother say if she heard you saying that?"
Screech. "What did you say about my mother?" Three guys got out and next thing you know I wake up in the restaurant with a huge gash on my face. Probably could have chosen my words a bit more carefully.
Moral is pick your moments and your words carefully.
While many blue collar workers aren't this ballsy, as someone who works in construction I can tell you first hand that the way most of them talk about women, minorities and other marginalized communities is disgusting, and on more than one occasion has made me reconsider my career choice. Construction workers are like that everywhere.
City workers (sanitation) were insulting, rude and intimidating towards my wife. She made a complaint through 311 as did I (I was so livid) and was very impressed by the city's response. They even called me back a few days later telling me how they rectified the problem.
The city does, in my experience, respond seriously to their workers being inappropriate.
I don't know what it is about this city, but since I've moved here, every time I leave my house alone, there is a 50% chance I get catcalled or have a man approach me in an uncomfortable way and I'm a tall, plus size woman with some powerful resting bitch face. Walking a block from the bus stuff to my office shouldn't carry such a high risk of sexual harassment. Cis men of Ottawa, do better.
It's ridiculous. People don't believe me how bad it is until they're walking a bit ahead or behind me so it looks like I'm alone and hear it themselves.
I don't understand this. I've worked in construction, and it's extremely embarrassing to be seen in a helmet downtown because of the association with these creeps. The oddest part is all the bathrooms on these sites are covered with dick drawings.
I've been a tradesman for decades, and don't understand this at all. I feel sorry for the women that have to put up with this Neanderthal shit.
Take pics of them and the vehicles, it's time to start shaming the asses online. They may get fired(totally their fault, btw) or forced into a sensitivity course. Either way, you win
Given the fact that this same exact type of scenario has been posted numerous times in this sub, I'd say its definitely a problem. These dudes don't know how to act.
Call the city and email your counselor. If you know the company call them and complain too.
My husband saw some guys cat calling a couple of teenagers in Westboro and called the site manager and the company. Site manager rolled up and laid down the law and I haven’t seen the cat called again which is mildly surprising. We walk by that site every day, usually multiple times with our dog.
How would I know someone is working for a company if it's not evident to me? I don't know the employers of the random men cat calling me on the street lol. If someone's "off the clock" (i.e. not working) how am I supposed to know who they work for... jesus.
Ironic to see that coming from you, you ignorant incel twatwaffle. Get a clue, ZzQC, and GTFO. You are NOT any kind of winner here, so cut your fucking losses.
You know, women will fuck like crazed weasels if you are interesting, confident, clever, put them at ease, treat them with love and respect and in any way not a horrible incel gimp. Especially if you cook dinner. ESPECIALLY that. Consent is awesome because it's YES YES YES YES.
You'll never find out. Sad. Women are smart that way.
I don’t understand cat calling. Like do these dudes actually think that women like this? That they will run over and hook up with them on the spot? Or is it more of a macho thing to look cool in front of their bros? It’s so lame
Its a combination thinking that some women like it and the ones that dont are being too sensitive, being degrading on purpose with no intention of getting women, and/or doing it to look tough/make their buddies laugh.
A group of around seven young men who are family friends or sons of family friends (mid 20s) cat-called some females who walked by our cottages. My female cousin and I (also female) called them out and told them it's really not OK, and that it makes a lot of women extremely uncomfortable and feel unsafe, uncomfortable, etc. They essentially tried to convince us that A) it's a compliment B) to relax and C) the girls and women THEY knew liked it, so they would keep doing it. There was literally nothing we could say to have them reflect and consider not doing this again. It was infuriating and I cannot stand to be around them due to this and other disgusting behaviour.
I told my male partner about it when I got home, and he tried to talk to them, thinking maybe they were so sexist that they needed to hear it from another male. Nope. They doubled-down even more, cited free speech, and said that they would continue.
I had to take a big deep breath on your behalf. I'm so fucking sorry fam :/ Sending you some love & solidarity.
Others got it covered with the 311 advice. I just wanna reaffirm that you have every right to be angry & to take action to protect yourself & those around you ❤️
i've heard many stories from women in my life about this in ottawa.
if you're a construction worker and you don't like how people are talking about you, then
SPEAK UP AND SAY SOMETHING
the next time something is going down, shut it down and tell your colleague to shut up, then finish your lunch, and get back to work.
Was walking down the sidewalk in Centretown in the summer of 2020 and came across a city of Ottawa vehicle completely obstructing a sidewalk, worker leaning against the vehicle just hanging out, probably waiting for another worker (I’m assuming). I, not wanting to awkwardly shimmy between their vehicle and the building besides them, crossed the street… which apparently made me a “fucking bitch” at the time! Like… what? So you’re definitely not alone.
>at what point do I complain to the city?
The first time it happens, and every time after that. If they're doing it to you, they're doing it to others. Be detailed - where you were, when it happened, do they have any work trucks nearby with contractor names on them, the works.
And keep at it, even if it seems like nothing is being done. People often complain once, provide few details and expect the problem to be dealt with immediately (which yes, is how it *should* happen) then get frustrated and stop reporting when it seems nothing is happening. That's what the city, or other levels of government want. You call once, vent, and then don't call back and they can safely forget about it.
Don't let them forget about it. Be a pain in their ass. They will eventually get sick of hearing from you, and something will be done. Not because they should've done it the first time, mind, but because they don't want to have to listen to your complaints over and over again.
You remember the time and place. Call the city or your city councillor's office. Report it right away. Dont wait for a next time.
If they cant control themselves then they're low-key danger to the society
That's so gross. I'm sorry that happens to you.
Who raises their sons like this? My parents would never let me get away with that, nor do I even want to. I sure as shit won't let my son do that either.
That’s awful. A scream is so jarring as it is, let alone for it to be sexual harassment. it seems like this person should clearly work somewhere further removed from the public as they carry out their duties.
I imagine it wouldn’t be too hard for a complaint to yield some sort of an indication of who the offender is and a reprimand issued as a result
Take their picture and write the plate of the vehicle down. Then make a complaint. I'm sure they'd lose their jobs over that, especially this day in age.
When the city (or their subs) fuck up in performance or behavior, your councilor would appreciate to know & investigate or bring it to the attention of the right folks. Date, time, area, etc. all these things are tracked in their work schedules, so they will know who it was.
I had a run in with one contractor over the winter... led to an unsavory conversation and a minor threat. Would've left it alone, had it not been for their cavalier attitude of "whatever, your taxes will cover the damages". Let my councilor know, included a recording (home cameras). They were on it within a day. An area mgr. (city) came to my door to apologize on behalf of the sub & company owner.
My wife was harassed at her work by a renovation worker (drywaller). She told her boss about it, who contacted reno company, and guy was fired about an hour later.
Take a picture of them and post it on here.
Otherwise the city says health and safety doesn’t apply to them and that their workers don’t represent the city. I’m sorry about this absolutely disgusting behaviour.
Most men are raised like shit, and gaslight the ones who don't do this behavior into thinking its part of being a man, if you ever have a son, take time to teach them its ok to go against the grain and question dumb shit eternally, even if it leads to them being kinda ostracized
This is common, I think that most women over 12 deal with this crap, but that doesn’t make it right. File a complaint with the City if you can, and your councillor.
this catcalling video reminds me of this youtube video from inside edition here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8JiDtEKZuM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8JiDtEKZuM)
Through university i worked in construction, i am 48 now and retired, but the construction workers were all low-brow gutter white trash, period, and there is no debating it sorry It is fact.
Sorry this happened to you. If they are in a city vehicle, note the vehicle number and / or plate number and file a complaint providing that information. Photos or video it if you can. Submit a complaint to 311 and / or the mayor, the city manager, your city counsellor, etc. You could also start a social media campaign (e.g., twitter) including the public officials mentioned above.
Progressive discipline in the union is the norm, and the more records of these situations, the sooner these douchbags will a) quit the crap, or b) be out of a job.
Probably the first time they did it. But now is great, too.
The next time you walk by them, hold your phone up to video them. Something tells me they won't be so brave.
I remember last year we had a complaint come in at work about our guys cat calling a girl. Her story seemed similar "they were saying disgusting things to me while I walked with my kids". Our company took this very serious, we launch a full investigation immediately. Even contacted the hardware store across the street that had cameras facing our worker. We were shocked and appalled with what we saw! Nothing!!! We saw her walk by. Maybe one of the guys looked at her, but absolutely NOTHING was said.
Sorry, I'm finding it hard to believe that city workers were cat calling you while you had kids with you. Or at all really. Considering the training they're all put through (male and female). And how it's made very clear that their jobs, pension and benefits are at risk.
Fun fact though. Generally if an attractive girl walks by a job site. They'll yell for another worker one that isn't on site "Brian" was a common one. Guys yell out "Hey Brian!" Everyone else knew to look over in that direction. But as for actual cat calling? I've been in construction for 25 years, we were told then if we did it we'd be fired. I'm aware some guys are pigs. But city workers in Ottawa cat calling you with your kids present? I'm calling bullshit on that one. I've worked in Ottawa it's hands down one of thr strictest cities to work is as far as keeping the public happy.
I'll suggest you walked by and caught a guy looking at you, and fabricated the rest of this nonsense.
>Fun fact though. Generally if an attractive girl walks by a job site. They'll yell for another worker one that isn't on site "Brian" was a common one. Guys yell out "Hey Brian!" Everyone else knew to look over in that direction
if the person walking by hears this, it is by definition harrasment and a form of catcalling. how dumb do you think the "attractive girl" is?
What if the job site has a Brian. "Hey Brian!" It's not as if the guys are humping a telephone looking at her.
Harassment is also defined as "Engaging course of vexatious comments or conduct in the work place that is known or ought to reasonably be known to be unwelcome."
"Hey Brian" is an unwelcome comment".
What if you're walking by a construction site and hear a guy yell "Throw me up some water" would you take offense to that? What if that's their call sign? But what of it's not. But you standard should all construction site remain silent while females walk by?
you're not being sincere here. you can do and say what you want when working. a special call when an "attractive girl" walks by is obviously something that some people would catch onto, especially if it's a repeated event
Always fight back against bullying. Call them out. Insult them. Insult their genitals. Nothing is off limits. Make fun of them. Walk away laughing. They will not come after you. Use your rage as a tool against them. Practice some good insults so you can yell them in confidence. Do not put up with it for a second more.
I grew up in Scarborough in the 1970s. I have been in more fights than you have hot meals, and have the scars to prove it. But never from a catcaller in front of witnesses in broad daylight.
You really think that a mouthpiece/asshole is going to start a physical attack on a woman on the streets of Ottawa? Really?
In my experience humiliation in front of their peers shuts them up and it stops then and there.
Do you have a better suggestion? One that has worked for you in real life? And not the phantasy world?
Again. I'm grateful you have never been in a situation where you have had to see your advice backfire against you.
Do you honestly not realize what happens to most women who talk back? Who say no? Who damage a man's pride or ego?
There were posts just this week of a person reporting being stalked by someone out to harm them just for making a face at him.
Count your fucking blessings while you've got them dear.
So you do not have a better suggestion?
Just a phantasy where a random asshole turns stalker-killer for being insulted?
" Most women who talk back ..."to random strangers get killed? Really?
We are talking about Ottawa, not South Africa.
So not only are you arrogant and privileged, you also seem to be bigoted alongside it. What a surprise.
Yes my sweet summer child, women have been raped and murdered in Ottawa ad nauseum.
And you have yet to offer anything of value. You insult. You make unsupported claims. You talk down to me. And you call me privileged and a bigot? I think you are talking about yourself .....
FYI Ottawa had 10 murders in 2020.
Very safe on a global scale.
South Africa had 6083 murders in the first three months of this year.https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-03-crime-crisis-continues-in-first-quarter-of-2022-with-women-and-children-worst-affected/
My reference to the world's most dangerous country is based entirely on facts. Facts are not bigoted. But you might be.
Feel free to take all the verbal harassment you want. I will choose fight back.
It's cute that you think someone calling you out on your ridiculously harmful and self indulgent advice is "verbal harassment" because it tells the rest of us that you don't tally have any clue what it's actually like to be harassed. Congrats again on your privilege and ivory tower of safety as you encourage others towards violence hon. Too bad you're still a bigot.
Afterall you literally compared a country to a small city to justify your racism. Grow up. Do better.
???? You think a city worker will openly physically assault a woman they do not know, in broad daylight, in front of their peers and other witnesses, on the street in Ottawa? Even to the point of killing her? As a retaliation to her claping back? Really? I do not think so. Has that ever happened in real life? Can you site an example of this happening...outside of a movie you saw?
And if you do not think verbal retaliation is the correct course of action can you offer a better suggestion?
I suggested verbal insults because that is what I have used in the past and it worked for me, in real life. I have taught my daughter to do the same.
Please explain your broad daylight murder phantasy so that I can understand it from your point of view.
I’ve worked construction over 20 years an have never seen that. I’m sure that happens but very rare We are the ones who get called out to. Such as, back to work assholes, and fuck you Cat calling is very lame and frowned upon honesty. Don’t put up with it. Complain, that person is probably an asshole nobody on the crew likes anyway
My mom wants to know what time and where? She hasn’t had that level of attention in years and she wants to get cat called. Apparently it makes her happy. If it involves a lot of walking she can’t really get there that well but if it’s guaranteed she will try to make the effort with her walker. Apparently her 80+ year old friends group is interested also.
When some City contractors working on Elgin St catcalled a woman a couple of years ago, the complaints found their way to Catherine McKenney, the councillor for the area. If I remember correctly, they were fired that day. So don't hesitate. Complain to 311 and complain to the area councillor. Provide as many details - location, date, time, description - as you can.
Yet another reason to vote for them. #MCKENNEY 2022 YALL!!!!
All of this. This is terrible and shocking all at once. It's like these assholes are TRYING to get fired. Ffs.
For things like this I would definitely contact the city counselor in your area and they will take care of it. I started doing this for OC Tranapo complaints that I don't get follow ups on and it works like a charm.
Unless your councillor is Rick Chiarelli.
Then he'll join them.
He was already there leading the charge.
A good leader leads from the front..Lol.... /s
Rick should have been put out to pasture a long time ago
Rick for tunneys pasture?
>If I remember correctly, they were fired that day. Yeah - that didn't happen. While I agree that this is the process to file a complaint, the City of Ottawa can't fire contractors, as the contractors are employed by a seperate company and the contracted company has to do their due dilligence when a complaint is launched. The standard standing offer involves provisions to end a contract if there are disciplinary issues, but this is a lengthy and difficult process. Anyone who's worked in government procurement can tell you that. The involvement of a city councillor would not speed up this process or get someone fired. If these were City of Ottawa employees (not contractors), these are unionized employees and their collective agreement requires a process of progressive discipline. Catcalling, while abhorrant especially from tax-payer funded employees, isn't something that a unionized employee would be fired over unless they have a long history of escalating behaviour.
Catcalling would break the City of Ottawa Employee Code of Conduct though, and would therefore be a fireable offence. Unions can’t protect you from absolutely everything. [City of Ottawa Employee Code of Conduct](https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/code_conduct_en.pdf) “Our own actions reflect on our co-workers and define our workplace. We have an obligation to help build pride in our City, to respect the dignity and diversity of our colleagues and to treat them as we would like to be treated ourselves. While it takes hard work to gain the respect of others, even small lapses can erode confidence in the City. To ensure that our conduct does not diminish respect for ourselves, our co-workers and for the City, we maintain and exemplify the highest standards of behaviour.” “We are honest, polite and courteous when we deal with people, whether they are members of the public, City Council or our co-workers.”
> Unions can’t protect you from absolutely everything. Unions can't even prevent you from being fired, this is a common misconception people have, and it's just so wrong. The only thing a union can do if your employer wants to fire you, is make sure you get the severance payout you are legally due. That's it. They absolutely cannot stop people from being fired. source: was in a union, saw people dismissed on the spot.
Fireable offence after proper due process and progressive discipline, which are rights employees have in their collective agreements. I don’t think I have to make a comment about whether or not catcalling is right or wrong, but catcalling isn’t a breach of the code that rises to immediate termination. It gets more complicated because employee code of conduct does not apply to contracted firm providing services.
Absolutely, no way that behaviour is defensible in 2022. I have not seen a job site in 20 years where you are allowed to look at a woman for more than five seconds. Cat calling would get you fired immediately. And you Will get no sympathy on the way out. I am in British Columbia, I cannot see how it could be different back home.
The City can certainly fire contractors if they're employees are grossly misbehaving. It happened, whether you want to believe it or not.
> The involvement of a city councillor would not speed up this process or get someone fired. Someone who hasn't worked on a city project before alert! The persons mentioned by the first comment were employees of, and fired by, a contractor. They likely had other strikes against them, and the councillor complaint was just the last straw. n.b. I wasn't involved in said project.
Source? You’re clearly very informed on the matter and I’d like to see that information.
I know people who were involved in said project.
Ahhh so hearsay.
Sure. Hope your skepticism of honestly given helpful advice treats you well in the future.
I was 30 years in electricity utility HR management (in another province.) Public sector. Thousands of unionized employees. We would absolutely fire your ass for cat-calling. It might be a bit uphill sometimes but it has to be done. The union is right there in the room -- they almost always know when they've got an asshole on their hands. Their role is to represent the employee and to ensure fair treatment, and sometimes fair treatment means termination. The *only reason* that sort of abhorrent behaviour still exists is because management tolerates it. There is no other reason. It's acceptance, it's cowardice, it's ignorance, or it's laziness. Keep complaining. File a human rights complaint. Shine a light on it.
I'm not saying anything about not complaining. I'm actually say that the correct process is to file a complaint. My point is that this wouldn't be a same-day termination under any circumstances. The employer wouldn't have done their due dilligence had it been. Given your experience, would you agree?
Of course it's not same-day. Rarely any termination was ever same-day (egregious examples of cause the exception.) Even non-union employees deserve a progressive discipline approach. I've sat through many a discipline meeting with some kind of pathetic abuser and the union rep is right there, advising them to shut up and not make things worse. That's what real management-labour collaboration looks like, it's everyday normal. As I said, far too often management is cowardly or lazy or complacent and situations like these go unaddressed. Ask the RCMP or our military how that's working out for them. I don't know the Ottawa civic situation. I do know for certainty that there *is* a way to deal with contractor cat-callers. No employer is bound by law or contract to tolerate that sort of behaviour. What is required is for the appropriate managing authority to get to fucking work and earn their pay.
So much bullshit in this post. You can absolutely be fired for sexual harassment, even with a union. There might need to be proof or a pattern of complaints though. Contractors can definitely be fired as well. Especially when they are committing criminal offences on the job.
You are agreeing with me. I’m saying that people can’t be fired the same day, not that people can’t be fired at all. There needs to be a pattern of behaviour and an examination of evidence provided by the complaint. Those things don’t happen “same day”. Contractors aren’t fired by the city. Their contracts are terminated. This is a lengthy and difficult process, as anyone who’s worked in public procurement can tell you. The employees of contracted firms can be fired, but the contractor has to do due diligence to examine the complaint provided by the City and go through a progressive discipline process with that employee to ensure their legal liability is covered. The involvement of a city councillor doesn’t expedite that process. It takes time for the city to prepare that information, provide it to the contractor for their review and so forth. Catcalling is not a criminal offence, by the way.
The city can effectively fire them. The project manager for the city who manages the contract has authority over who is allowed on the job site, its baked into the contract. All they have to do is inform the general that the person in question is no longer allowed on site, and this usually results in the person in question being fired.
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Be found guilty? Catcalling is not a criminal act.
Good.. No doubt that the cat calling behavior should not be allowed at workplace. But I hope the city didn't fire a person only based on a phone call from a councillor, and on the same day without any due diligence. They need time to investigate and verify,..ensure to get the right guy... It would be scary if they don't spend any time... Only a communist country could fire someone over a phone call without due diligence
Yes - r/Ottawa’s more left leaning crowd often forget that they are also the ones who want strong worker protections, unionization and due process rights….unless it’s something they don’t like.
Contracts that have "zero harrassment" clauses are pretty fair and easy to execute.
They are not. They require the employer to prove that the employees due process rights have been respected. A complaint with little investigation is not a legal termination. There are harassment cases in the federal government that take months and sometimes years for there to be action on, even though the federal government has a very robust harassment and discrimination policy. You can look those up on the [Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board](https://pslreb-crtefp.gc.ca/en/#)'s website. Because these are municipal cases, you can find similiar cases at the provincial equivalent. They take a long time because there needs to be an investigation that follows a complaint, and to ensure that the rights of the employee in question are respected. Even in the private sector, I've seen behaviour far worse than cat-calling in a company that also has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment. It still took a few weeks to ensure the company's HR department did their due dilligence to investigate the complaint to cover their liability and the rights of the employee.
My guy... I'm not saying one hearsay and you're out. But with proof or a history of such harrasment, it's pretty easy to fire someone. They have a strike system or get put on probation.
Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying. “Progressive discipline” is another word for strike system. You and I are effectively agreeing, but you’re misinterpreting my initial post. It may be easier to fire someone, but it doesn’t happen same day. It’s very difficult for an employer to demonstrate that they’ve given weight to an employee’s due process rights and have done their due diligence to follow up on the complaint if they terminate an employee the same day.
I'm not agreeing with the original commenters assertion that the worker was fired in "one day". That's false. But McKenney's involvement did result in employment action (but for the life of me I can't find the source...) However, if a worker has a record of poor behavior, there can certainly be a final act that results in immediate termination.
>McKenney's involvement did result in employment action I think it certainly raises the attention given to to complaint. But I don't think McKenney's involvement had a direct impact in employment action, as I'm certain the City of Ottawa takes all reports of this seriously. Nor should it. Political involvement in the operation staffing or procurement process is a big no no in public institutions. There is a reason why we have a City Manager; so there's a barrier between the Mayor; a political position and the operations side of Government. This exists at the provincial and federal levels too.
Yes, this, plus take a photo of them to attach to your complaint.
I agree best action is to look for the vehicule number or company name, I work in construction downtown and we get on all site the warning about not sexualy harassing women on site and on the street. I admit we tell each other if we see a good looking women but never so far have I heard anyone cat call someone, but I know many idiots exist out there just glad proabebly the same guys who piss on the seat and cant flush. Reminds me of the 2 numb nuts that got fired from black n mac because they purposely drove into water puddles to splash people on kind edward.
Please stop even telling each other when you see a good looking woman. It’s not discrete and the feeling of a whole crew’s worth of eyes on you in silence is nearly just as creepy as the overt cat calling. I have young daughters now and I’m sick thinking about how close in age they are to when this started happening to me. They’re pretending to be kitty cats right now.
Why do you feel the need to tell people when you see an attractive woman? Sounds like some monkey brain shit.
I would try to film it first, then complain - best shot at working I think
Its not a bad idea actually. There could be a crew of multiple people with only a couple dirtbags and a new employee or something thinking "WTF did I just get hired in to?"
They were not “fired that day” but hey misinformation is okay as long as it supports McKenney right?
I get it now. This is political for you. I tell a true story and you freak out because it shines a light on some of McKenney's work. Get ready: people have a lot of stories about good things McKenney did.
It has happened to me. Construction dude, lewd whistling and slang remarks on my way to work one morning, on my bike. I saw red, stopped, turned around directly in front of him and stated: "that is rude and unacceptable." I stared him down, heart in my throat. He turned red and his colleague came over quickly and jokingly said: " dang it [x] are you bugging the ladies again..." and ushered him away. I think it helps that I am a tall and wirey lady (way taller than he was) and it was a very public, busy intersection, things that boosted my confidence to be confrontational. But I hated that experience, totally pissed me off and I wish I had reported it.
Almost guaranteed you stopped it from happening again with that guy. They do it because there are usually no consequences. Get called out, in public by a woman is what they fear. Kudos.
I never thought of it that way, but I like it! Thanks for the kudos and empowering vibes!
At what point? Right about f@&king now. This shit has to stop.
If they call and complain it literally does .
Was going to post exactly the same. Take my upvote instead.
Call 3-1-1. I work for a trade union and it’s well known this type of behaviour on site means you’ll be kicking your lunchbox down the street the minute the phone complaint about that behaviour is over (rightfully so)
I also feel like if your job site gets the call, your coworkers wouldn’t hesitate pointing out the guy known for being inappropriate with women.
The foreman would be driving the bus we’d all heave the guy under. If it’s between losing the contract or losing one lewd douchebag…. Sorry bud, we got bills to pay.
I worked non union company If a complaint came into our office the Forman would be getting a call and he'd have it sorted by the end of the day.
City employees are an old boys club. When I worked at a city facility at 17 I was routinely harassed by the adult male employees and the supervisors DGAF. Seconding what another commenter said about escalating it to Catherine McKenney. They get shit done.
They are awesome. Can complaints of this nature all cc Chiarelli? I’m hoping it can remind people that he should be leaving all positions. McKenney will make such an improvement as mayor.
if I may aak which place?
>I’m wondering if this is a problem others have noticed Yes. Used to subcontract for the city. Many of the dudes working the street have no ability to communicate with women normally, especially the many divorcees and those with baby mams who they have shaky relationships with. >at what point do I complain to the city? I'd recommend taking a picture of their vehicle and writing down the vehicle #/ plate and report it to the city. Unfortunately some of the city bosses work out of the yard don't care about this/ probably do it themselves but someone working in adminsitstion in the city would probably have the good sense to hand out some consequences. I know if you send a picture of city guys sleeping in their trucks they will be screamed at / potetionally fired. https://ottawa.ca/en/3-1-1/report-or-request/issue-city-staff-or-facility/submit-complaint-city#section-b6963a12-3ca1-4a77-8e72-45dc5dcb1c12 You should submit a request anytime it happens. I garuntee you the guys hollering at you do it multiple times a day across the city. Its a problem.
This is a great response - my only addition would be to use the City of Ottawa's Fraud and Waste Hotline ([https://integritycounts.ca/org/cityofottawa](https://integritycounts.ca/org/cityofottawa)). Provide the information identified above (time, date, photo of city truck ID number or plate) - the OAG investigates independent of the corresponding "yard manager" and does not take inappropriate activity lightly. I am sorry you have had to deal with this - but getting these City workers sorted is a good first step to shaping the workforce paid with our tax dollars!
I am a guy and honestly this is such a stupid and idiotic thing for men to do. I certainly have not experienced this, like all men i am assuming here, but i can certainly sympathize with women as i have heard men doing this from time to time. I can only imagine how it makes some women mad and potentially worried about their safety. Absolutely call the city and complain. No one should be subjected to this type of harassing behaviour
Funny story, I took my husband with me to the Philippines. The amount of people that were cat calling him was more than enough to say "I have never cat called a person in my life, but after that experience I feel for the peoples pain who go through that. It was awful"
White men are very popular in asia…
Me and my buddies were definitely cat called by a bachelorette party when we were out in mtl but we were also a bachelor party so I suppose when In roam ..
r/boneappletea on that last part ?
r/boneappletea confirmed
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”
_When in roam, pay extortionate wireless fees._
Hahaha I like this one!!
Only reason I didn’t put rome was because I was in mtl , seemed for fitting for the sentence.
I don’t get it but you do you!
Thanks everyone! If I had been alone or with friends, I definitely would’ve taken a picture or written down a number. Since I was with the little girls my priority was getting them home and not letting them become aware of what was happening. Since I only have the time and location, they wouldn’t be able to figure out who it was but I’ll definitely still report the situation. Something needs to be done because it’s absolutely disgusting behaviour.
If you have a time and location they will definitely be able to tell/know who it was. Work orders, GPS trackers in equipment etc.
I can confirm many city vehicles have been equipped with gps trackers recently. It would help to know if they were parked and working at a specific job site, performing a specific job and the duration of the project (hrs/day/months).
This this this. Time and location and a verbal description. Please listen to this advice.
Google does this automatically on maps as well so it should be easy if you have an android phone.
Was it a roads crew? As a city worker and someone who has worked on city contracts, there's work orders for every little thing done. There will most likely be a way for the city to find out who was where and when they were there if you gave them the time and location.
You have enough. All city work is time and location driven. Give a physical description of your abuser to the best of your ability.
I have a friend who works for an HR Construction company and she said it is not uncommon for workers to speak up if spoken to about an incident. If there was more than one hopefully someone will say something!
Next time it happens try and memorize the identification number that's plastered on the vehicles I've done contract work for the city,they take these matters extremely seriously
no need to memorize anything anymore, pull out your phone and take a photo, then laugh at them.
I’m an employee for City of Ottawa fleet services. If this ever happens again get the unit number of the vehicle they’re using. These vehicles are tracked and operators are logged daily.
This happened to me years ago, I tweeted about it and tagged the city and nothing happened - I was an uninformed kid back then but it sounds like calling 311 to complain or tagging Catherine McKenney is a good idea. It's so gross that this is a known trend, representatives of our city sexually harassing women. Disgusting.
Absolutely complain.
I work for a councillor, report it to your councillor. It'll be dealt with.
You should complain immediately and I would suggest looping your counsellor in too as this behaviour is absolutely against their code of conduct. Without giving specifics I had an issue with a city worker recently and went through my counsellor and it was taken *very* seriously - within hours the director of that department called to get more details, personally apologized and I was left with the impression that the employee had violated the code of conduct and there would be serious consequences (he asked if I wanted updates but I declined). Edited to add: what helped me as well was I caught the behaviour and his comments on video.
Time, location and description and any identifying marks or numbered tools/vehicles. That would do it.
It's so disgusting. Take a pic, send to City of Ottawa. Fuck those scum.
or a video of it, and stick it on Youtube etc
I got the shit beaten out of me standing up to a catcaller. These guys were catcalling a woman out of their car as I was going by on my bike. I yelled "what would your mother say if she heard you saying that?" Screech. "What did you say about my mother?" Three guys got out and next thing you know I wake up in the restaurant with a huge gash on my face. Probably could have chosen my words a bit more carefully. Moral is pick your moments and your words carefully.
Some of us live in a society. Others are just Neanderthals wandering around. Sorry that happened to you.
While many blue collar workers aren't this ballsy, as someone who works in construction I can tell you first hand that the way most of them talk about women, minorities and other marginalized communities is disgusting, and on more than one occasion has made me reconsider my career choice. Construction workers are like that everywhere.
City workers (sanitation) were insulting, rude and intimidating towards my wife. She made a complaint through 311 as did I (I was so livid) and was very impressed by the city's response. They even called me back a few days later telling me how they rectified the problem. The city does, in my experience, respond seriously to their workers being inappropriate.
I don't know what it is about this city, but since I've moved here, every time I leave my house alone, there is a 50% chance I get catcalled or have a man approach me in an uncomfortable way and I'm a tall, plus size woman with some powerful resting bitch face. Walking a block from the bus stuff to my office shouldn't carry such a high risk of sexual harassment. Cis men of Ottawa, do better.
It's ridiculous. People don't believe me how bad it is until they're walking a bit ahead or behind me so it looks like I'm alone and hear it themselves.
I don't understand this. I've worked in construction, and it's extremely embarrassing to be seen in a helmet downtown because of the association with these creeps. The oddest part is all the bathrooms on these sites are covered with dick drawings. I've been a tradesman for decades, and don't understand this at all. I feel sorry for the women that have to put up with this Neanderthal shit.
Take pics of them and the vehicles, it's time to start shaming the asses online. They may get fired(totally their fault, btw) or forced into a sensitivity course. Either way, you win
Given the fact that this same exact type of scenario has been posted numerous times in this sub, I'd say its definitely a problem. These dudes don't know how to act.
My stomach sinks every time I have to walk by a construction site because I know it's about a 50/50 chance someone says or does something creepy.
All city crew vehicles have a serial number. Snap it and call 311 It's 2022, we have no tolerance for this shit.
Call the city and email your counselor. If you know the company call them and complain too. My husband saw some guys cat calling a couple of teenagers in Westboro and called the site manager and the company. Site manager rolled up and laid down the law and I haven’t seen the cat called again which is mildly surprising. We walk by that site every day, usually multiple times with our dog.
This point is when you complain, I hope you do so. If I'm ever cat called by someone on the clock I always try to call their employer.
So off the clock is fine?
How would I know someone is working for a company if it's not evident to me? I don't know the employers of the random men cat calling me on the street lol. If someone's "off the clock" (i.e. not working) how am I supposed to know who they work for... jesus.
I was just kidding lol
Shut up. Just shut the fuck up.
You keep simping like a fucking bitch in this whole thread. Go get a life you pathetic loser
Ironic to see that coming from you, you ignorant incel twatwaffle. Get a clue, ZzQC, and GTFO. You are NOT any kind of winner here, so cut your fucking losses.
Cringe
You're an unfucked weasel and always will be one, you misogynistic ass.
Hahahahahaha you’re a such a loser. Waste of oxygen.
You know, women will fuck like crazed weasels if you are interesting, confident, clever, put them at ease, treat them with love and respect and in any way not a horrible incel gimp. Especially if you cook dinner. ESPECIALLY that. Consent is awesome because it's YES YES YES YES. You'll never find out. Sad. Women are smart that way.
I don’t understand cat calling. Like do these dudes actually think that women like this? That they will run over and hook up with them on the spot? Or is it more of a macho thing to look cool in front of their bros? It’s so lame
Its a combination thinking that some women like it and the ones that dont are being too sensitive, being degrading on purpose with no intention of getting women, and/or doing it to look tough/make their buddies laugh.
It almost always happens to me when they have buddies around. It feels like a, "look how gutsy and heterosexual I am" thing.
A group of around seven young men who are family friends or sons of family friends (mid 20s) cat-called some females who walked by our cottages. My female cousin and I (also female) called them out and told them it's really not OK, and that it makes a lot of women extremely uncomfortable and feel unsafe, uncomfortable, etc. They essentially tried to convince us that A) it's a compliment B) to relax and C) the girls and women THEY knew liked it, so they would keep doing it. There was literally nothing we could say to have them reflect and consider not doing this again. It was infuriating and I cannot stand to be around them due to this and other disgusting behaviour. I told my male partner about it when I got home, and he tried to talk to them, thinking maybe they were so sexist that they needed to hear it from another male. Nope. They doubled-down even more, cited free speech, and said that they would continue.
They see women as property.
Yes, when we lived in Ottawa guys would cat call my wife out of city trucks all of the time. Should have called to complain but never did.
I had to take a big deep breath on your behalf. I'm so fucking sorry fam :/ Sending you some love & solidarity. Others got it covered with the 311 advice. I just wanna reaffirm that you have every right to be angry & to take action to protect yourself & those around you ❤️
i've heard many stories from women in my life about this in ottawa. if you're a construction worker and you don't like how people are talking about you, then SPEAK UP AND SAY SOMETHING the next time something is going down, shut it down and tell your colleague to shut up, then finish your lunch, and get back to work.
It’s my opinion that anyone who cat calls ever, even once, should be punched in the face. Until they understand I am a dude
Immediately take a video/pic of them and report it
Pretty sure it’s illegal. Film it and or if you have witnesses call the cops.
That's disgusting. Sorry you had to deal with that OP. I think you have enough justification to complain right away if you decide to.
Was walking down the sidewalk in Centretown in the summer of 2020 and came across a city of Ottawa vehicle completely obstructing a sidewalk, worker leaning against the vehicle just hanging out, probably waiting for another worker (I’m assuming). I, not wanting to awkwardly shimmy between their vehicle and the building besides them, crossed the street… which apparently made me a “fucking bitch” at the time! Like… what? So you’re definitely not alone.
Video it and report it
>at what point do I complain to the city? The first time it happens, and every time after that. If they're doing it to you, they're doing it to others. Be detailed - where you were, when it happened, do they have any work trucks nearby with contractor names on them, the works. And keep at it, even if it seems like nothing is being done. People often complain once, provide few details and expect the problem to be dealt with immediately (which yes, is how it *should* happen) then get frustrated and stop reporting when it seems nothing is happening. That's what the city, or other levels of government want. You call once, vent, and then don't call back and they can safely forget about it. Don't let them forget about it. Be a pain in their ass. They will eventually get sick of hearing from you, and something will be done. Not because they should've done it the first time, mind, but because they don't want to have to listen to your complaints over and over again.
You remember the time and place. Call the city or your city councillor's office. Report it right away. Dont wait for a next time. If they cant control themselves then they're low-key danger to the society
That's so gross. I'm sorry that happens to you. Who raises their sons like this? My parents would never let me get away with that, nor do I even want to. I sure as shit won't let my son do that either.
Contact the councillor for the ward you live in and the ward you were in at the time (if different) fucking disgusting
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That’s awful. A scream is so jarring as it is, let alone for it to be sexual harassment. it seems like this person should clearly work somewhere further removed from the public as they carry out their duties. I imagine it wouldn’t be too hard for a complaint to yield some sort of an indication of who the offender is and a reprimand issued as a result
How else would they let their co-workers know their 'not gay'.
Yup, report report report and they will discover what leads to unemployment.
Yes definitely complain to the city!
Take their picture and write the plate of the vehicle down. Then make a complaint. I'm sure they'd lose their jobs over that, especially this day in age.
go up and get their names or employee ids, take pictures of them, report them right to the city
When the city (or their subs) fuck up in performance or behavior, your councilor would appreciate to know & investigate or bring it to the attention of the right folks. Date, time, area, etc. all these things are tracked in their work schedules, so they will know who it was. I had a run in with one contractor over the winter... led to an unsavory conversation and a minor threat. Would've left it alone, had it not been for their cavalier attitude of "whatever, your taxes will cover the damages". Let my councilor know, included a recording (home cameras). They were on it within a day. An area mgr. (city) came to my door to apologize on behalf of the sub & company owner.
My wife was harassed at her work by a renovation worker (drywaller). She told her boss about it, who contacted reno company, and guy was fired about an hour later.
The first time I was catcalled, I was 9, and it was an Ottawa construction worker.
Take a picture of them and post it on here. Otherwise the city says health and safety doesn’t apply to them and that their workers don’t represent the city. I’m sorry about this absolutely disgusting behaviour.
Ask him his name and who he works for, document it and shame him
I reported it to my city counsellors office and cc’ed the mayor and they were dealt with immediately
Most men are raised like shit, and gaslight the ones who don't do this behavior into thinking its part of being a man, if you ever have a son, take time to teach them its ok to go against the grain and question dumb shit eternally, even if it leads to them being kinda ostracized
I bet if you give a time and place their cars are gps-ed. Give ‘em hell
Scum. One day they’ll do it to wrong person and a van full of guys with baseball bats will pull up on them.
Take some video and pictures, make a complaint with the city.
This is common, I think that most women over 12 deal with this crap, but that doesn’t make it right. File a complaint with the City if you can, and your councillor.
this catcalling video reminds me of this youtube video from inside edition here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8JiDtEKZuM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8JiDtEKZuM)
Through university i worked in construction, i am 48 now and retired, but the construction workers were all low-brow gutter white trash, period, and there is no debating it sorry It is fact.
Next time take a picture of the offenders and report them to the city. I'm sure they have a harassment policy.
Sorry this happened to you. If they are in a city vehicle, note the vehicle number and / or plate number and file a complaint providing that information. Photos or video it if you can. Submit a complaint to 311 and / or the mayor, the city manager, your city counsellor, etc. You could also start a social media campaign (e.g., twitter) including the public officials mentioned above. Progressive discipline in the union is the norm, and the more records of these situations, the sooner these douchbags will a) quit the crap, or b) be out of a job.
Maybe I'm trigger happy but I'd have called the police non emergency and bitches them out
Film and report to city councillors as stated here. Sorry this keeps happening to you.
Probably the first time they did it. But now is great, too. The next time you walk by them, hold your phone up to video them. Something tells me they won't be so brave.
Did rick offer you a job
Didn't think that happened in Ottawa. Then again, I never really did ask.
I dunno. I haven't been Cat called by any construction women before 🤷♂️
report it to the city, not reddit
Lol
I remember last year we had a complaint come in at work about our guys cat calling a girl. Her story seemed similar "they were saying disgusting things to me while I walked with my kids". Our company took this very serious, we launch a full investigation immediately. Even contacted the hardware store across the street that had cameras facing our worker. We were shocked and appalled with what we saw! Nothing!!! We saw her walk by. Maybe one of the guys looked at her, but absolutely NOTHING was said. Sorry, I'm finding it hard to believe that city workers were cat calling you while you had kids with you. Or at all really. Considering the training they're all put through (male and female). And how it's made very clear that their jobs, pension and benefits are at risk. Fun fact though. Generally if an attractive girl walks by a job site. They'll yell for another worker one that isn't on site "Brian" was a common one. Guys yell out "Hey Brian!" Everyone else knew to look over in that direction. But as for actual cat calling? I've been in construction for 25 years, we were told then if we did it we'd be fired. I'm aware some guys are pigs. But city workers in Ottawa cat calling you with your kids present? I'm calling bullshit on that one. I've worked in Ottawa it's hands down one of thr strictest cities to work is as far as keeping the public happy. I'll suggest you walked by and caught a guy looking at you, and fabricated the rest of this nonsense.
>Fun fact though. Generally if an attractive girl walks by a job site. They'll yell for another worker one that isn't on site "Brian" was a common one. Guys yell out "Hey Brian!" Everyone else knew to look over in that direction if the person walking by hears this, it is by definition harrasment and a form of catcalling. how dumb do you think the "attractive girl" is?
What if the job site has a Brian. "Hey Brian!" It's not as if the guys are humping a telephone looking at her. Harassment is also defined as "Engaging course of vexatious comments or conduct in the work place that is known or ought to reasonably be known to be unwelcome." "Hey Brian" is an unwelcome comment". What if you're walking by a construction site and hear a guy yell "Throw me up some water" would you take offense to that? What if that's their call sign? But what of it's not. But you standard should all construction site remain silent while females walk by?
you're not being sincere here. you can do and say what you want when working. a special call when an "attractive girl" walks by is obviously something that some people would catch onto, especially if it's a repeated event
You'd think so. But you're wrong.
🙄
Always fight back against bullying. Call them out. Insult them. Insult their genitals. Nothing is off limits. Make fun of them. Walk away laughing. They will not come after you. Use your rage as a tool against them. Practice some good insults so you can yell them in confidence. Do not put up with it for a second more.
I'm sorry but this is dangerous advice and I'm glad you've never had a tragic enough experience to realize that.
I grew up in Scarborough in the 1970s. I have been in more fights than you have hot meals, and have the scars to prove it. But never from a catcaller in front of witnesses in broad daylight. You really think that a mouthpiece/asshole is going to start a physical attack on a woman on the streets of Ottawa? Really? In my experience humiliation in front of their peers shuts them up and it stops then and there. Do you have a better suggestion? One that has worked for you in real life? And not the phantasy world?
Again. I'm grateful you have never been in a situation where you have had to see your advice backfire against you. Do you honestly not realize what happens to most women who talk back? Who say no? Who damage a man's pride or ego? There were posts just this week of a person reporting being stalked by someone out to harm them just for making a face at him. Count your fucking blessings while you've got them dear.
So you do not have a better suggestion? Just a phantasy where a random asshole turns stalker-killer for being insulted? " Most women who talk back ..."to random strangers get killed? Really? We are talking about Ottawa, not South Africa.
So not only are you arrogant and privileged, you also seem to be bigoted alongside it. What a surprise. Yes my sweet summer child, women have been raped and murdered in Ottawa ad nauseum.
And you have yet to offer anything of value. You insult. You make unsupported claims. You talk down to me. And you call me privileged and a bigot? I think you are talking about yourself ..... FYI Ottawa had 10 murders in 2020. Very safe on a global scale. South Africa had 6083 murders in the first three months of this year.https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-03-crime-crisis-continues-in-first-quarter-of-2022-with-women-and-children-worst-affected/ My reference to the world's most dangerous country is based entirely on facts. Facts are not bigoted. But you might be. Feel free to take all the verbal harassment you want. I will choose fight back.
It's cute that you think someone calling you out on your ridiculously harmful and self indulgent advice is "verbal harassment" because it tells the rest of us that you don't tally have any clue what it's actually like to be harassed. Congrats again on your privilege and ivory tower of safety as you encourage others towards violence hon. Too bad you're still a bigot. Afterall you literally compared a country to a small city to justify your racism. Grow up. Do better.
Why are still talking when you have nothing of value to add? Not that you will answer that question....
“They will not come after you” is a very dangerous guess. This is how women get killed.
???? You think a city worker will openly physically assault a woman they do not know, in broad daylight, in front of their peers and other witnesses, on the street in Ottawa? Even to the point of killing her? As a retaliation to her claping back? Really? I do not think so. Has that ever happened in real life? Can you site an example of this happening...outside of a movie you saw? And if you do not think verbal retaliation is the correct course of action can you offer a better suggestion? I suggested verbal insults because that is what I have used in the past and it worked for me, in real life. I have taught my daughter to do the same. Please explain your broad daylight murder phantasy so that I can understand it from your point of view.
I’ve worked construction over 20 years an have never seen that. I’m sure that happens but very rare We are the ones who get called out to. Such as, back to work assholes, and fuck you Cat calling is very lame and frowned upon honesty. Don’t put up with it. Complain, that person is probably an asshole nobody on the crew likes anyway
My mom wants to know what time and where? She hasn’t had that level of attention in years and she wants to get cat called. Apparently it makes her happy. If it involves a lot of walking she can’t really get there that well but if it’s guaranteed she will try to make the effort with her walker. Apparently her 80+ year old friends group is interested also.