On Dec. 6, 132 scarves will hang from trees, benches and display boards at all three University of Toronto (U of T) campuses to recognize the importance of Bill 132. The scarf installation, called STEELwool, is a visual display against workplace violence. STEELwool is a project of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1998 Human Rights Committee.
In September, Bill 132 made workplace sexual harassment a health and safety priority by adding it to the Ontario Health and Safety Act. Over the past three months, United Steelworkers Local 1998 members and volunteers have been knitting and crocheting scarves to educate members about the new policy at the University of Toronto.
The new legislation requires employers to have specific policies and programs in place that ensure workplace harassment is appropriately investigated.
Dubbed STEELwool, the project brought together veteran and novice knitters. STEELwool culminates with a one-day art installation of colourful handmade scarves – each tagged with the name of the creator – at all three campuses.
“The project theme is warming all people of any gender, race, age, sexual orientation and ability across U of T. It was developed and organized by the USW Local 1998 Human Rights Committee,” said Colleen Burke, President of USW Local 1998.
Following the installation, the scarves will be donated to various charities across Toronto and the GTA.
United Steelworkers Local 1998 represents over 8,000 administrative and technical staff at the University of Toronto, University of St. Michael’s College, Victoria University and University of Toronto Schools.
December 6, 2016, marks the 27th anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre, also known as the Montreal Massacre, where 28 people were shot and 14 women were killed. December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
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