Not in OUR Space! is an anti-harassment and respectful workplace campaign developed by Equity to promote awareness and provide education for everyone working on a production, from artists to engagers.
Not in OUR Space!
Program Goals
It’s always best to address an issue as soon as possible – to restore a healthy, positive workplace where artists can thrive creatively and professionally.
Where do I start?
The Member Guide to Respectful Workplaces is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to all of the resources available through Equity for fostering safe and respectful workplaces – making it easier for artists to understand their rights and where to go for support.
Developed by Equity’s Respectful Workplace Task Force, the Guide details responsibilities, preventive measures, resolutions and resources to help inform, empower, and support artists, and encourage a workplace free from harm and all forms of inappropriate behaviour.
What are my responsibilities as an Equity member?
As stated in Equity’s Bylaws, members agree to “uphold professional standards in the practice of their craft and behave in a way that favourably reflects on themselves, the Association, and the live performance community in which they work.”
That means fulfilling your professional commitments and responsibilities with integrity as well as upholding and participating in collaborative and inclusive work environments that respect the dignity and well-being of coworkers.
Identifying inappropriate behaviour
Inappropriate behaviour can take many forms. It may be physical or psychological. It can include comments, actions, or even gestures. It may be directed towards an individual or a group, or it may be directed at no one in particular and still create a harmful work environment. But not all disagreements or disputes are necessarily instances of inappropriate behaviour.
Here are the definitions of inappropriate behaviour, as they appear in Equity’s Bylaws:
Abuse of Power
Use of official or vested authority to improperly disadvantage, discriminate, or harass a person, or to procure personal advantages for oneself.
Discrimination
The unfair or unequal treatment of a person on the basis of their protected personal characteristics or the Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination, as established in the Canadian Human Rights Act, and/or applicable provincial human rights legislation”.
Harassment
Any action, conduct, or comment, including of a sexual nature, that can reasonably be expected to cause offence, humiliation, or physical or psychological injury or illness. Though harassment is generally behaviour that persists over time, serious individual incidents may also be considered harassment.
Reprisal
Any action, or threat, that is intended as retaliation for claiming or enforcing a right under the Association’s Bylaws, or negotiated or promulgated agreements.
Unprofessional Behaviour
Any workplace behaviour not otherwise specified in Bylaw 67 that would reasonably be regarded as inappropriate and unprofessional within the context of a professional live performance workplace. Such behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
(i) intoxication (of any sort) while at work;
(ii) disregard for member safety or dignity in the workplace; and
(iii) theft of personal property.
Violence
Actions, conduct, threats or gestures that can be reasonably expected to cause harm, injury, or illness. Violence can include verbal threats, abuse, or intimidation.
Who can help?
Tell the Engager
It’s the Engager’s responsibility to prevent inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, and failing that, their job to investigate the matter and take appropriate action should it occur. Addressing your concerns with the Engager while the production is still going on is the best way to resolve an issue.
If you’re unsure of who to speak to or how the process works, you can always consult the Engager’s anti-harassment policy, ask the Equity Liaison or the stage manager, or contact Equity for help.
Tell Equity
Equity is always prepared to help you resolve concerns of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
Click the button below to file a report of inappropriate behaviour while working under one of Equity’s agreements or engagement policies.
When filing, you may also request a follow-up conversation with an Equity Respectful Workplace Advisor — an Equity staffer trained to provide guidance and support should you have questions about pursuing a complaint related to inappropriate behaviour by another Equity member in your workplace.
File a Formal Complaint
Equity’s Complaints and Disciplinary Process allows for formal complaints to be filed against a member if they are in violation of Equity’s Bylaws.
Equity members and staff collaborated to create these materials. They are based on experiences we’ve all had. Let us know if you find it helpful—or if we’ve missed anything. We appreciate and welcome corrections and additions. As our industry keeps changing, we will keep updating. You can let us know your thoughts by emailing communications@caea.com. We want these resources to be for all of us—by all of us.