Dear CCMS: I am the named respondent in a harassment complaint. I am distraught about this and feel that this is unfair. What are my rights and responsibilities?
You can obtain information about your rights and responsibilities from your Manager or Supervisor, a Workplace Relations Advisor (WRA), Union representative (for civilians), Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) Agent (for military) or the Harassment Prevention and Resolution Instructions, which can be found within http://intranet.mil.ca/en/organizations/vcds/iccm-harassment.page.
As a respondent, some of your rights include: be treated fairly and respectfully; be notified promptly that a complaint has been filed against you; be provided with the written allegations; be given adequate time to respond to those allegations; be assisted.
You also have responsibilities that include: immediately cease any improper behaviour when requested by the Complainant or Supervisor; promptly and clearly respond to the allegations of the complaint; seek information concerning options for resolution; limit discussions of the complaint to only those responsible for the resolution; participate in a cooperative manner in the resolution process; not interfere with the process in any manner.
The above is not an exhaustive list of your rights and responsibilities. A CCMS Agent can provide guidance on the process and policy and your rights and responsibilities, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), as you move through the process.
It is always very difficult whenever harassment or claims of harassment occurs in the workplace. Your local CCMS office can assist further by discussing prevention and rebuilding relationships.
