Representational Guidebook for Stewards - Workplace Bullying Policy and Steward Toolkit

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Lute

A steward-focused guidebook outlining Minnesota’s Respectful Workplace Policy and the representation approach for addressing workplace bullying. It explains policy origins following MAPE’s antibullying campaign, defines bullying and its harmful effects, and summarizes survey findings on prevalence and management responses. The guidebook provides practical steps for stewards, including workplace bullying tips, checklists, relational organizing, and tools such as complaint templates, incident logs, and member survey and conduct policy appendices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages44

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Timeline

Workplace Bullying: Effects and Definitions

Respectful Workplace Policy

Representational Tips for Stewards

Checklist for Stewards

Relational Organizing

Appendix A: MMB Respectful Workplace Policy

Appendix B: Formal Complaint Template

Appendix C: Bullying Incident Log for Members

Appendix D: Member Survey Template

Representational Guidebook for Stewards Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..2 Timeline……………………………………………………………………………..………………4 Workplace Bullying: Effects and Definitions…………………………………………..5 Respectful Workplace Policy………………………………………………………….…...12 Representational Tips for Stewards……………………………………………………..16 Checklist for Stewards………………………………………………………………….…….24 Relational Organizing………………………………………………………….…………..…28 Appendix A: MMB Respectful Workplace Policy……………………………..…….31 Appendix B: Formal Complaint Template………………………………….…………36 Appendix C: Bullying Incident Log for Members……………………….………….39 Appendix D: Member Survey Template……………………………………………….40 Appendix E: MAPE’s Regional Lead Description……………………….………….41 Appendix F: MAPE Code of Conduct Policy…………………………….……………42 Introduction For the first time in history, Minnesota state employees are now guaranteeda professional and respectful workplace. Following a three-year antibullying campaign by the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE), the Respectful Workplace Policy was announced by Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB) on April 10, 2015. Minnesota is a national leader in recognizing the importance of healthy and respectful classrooms and work environments, and is one of only a handful of states to tackle workplace bullying head-on with a law or policy affecting state employees. More than 27 percent of American adults have experienced workplace bullying. Our own MAPE survey also showed that more than one in four ofus have experienced or witnessed bullying in the workplace. Workplace bullying can have serious negative effects on employees, including stress, insomnia, depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Workplace bullies can cost companies millions of dollars in turnover, lost productivity, disability payments and litigation. Without laws, employers can, and often do, legally ignore this abusive conduct. Three years ago, after hearing some truly egregious stories about the health and employment impact on members who had been bullied on the job, we knew we had to take action. MAPE began developing a plan to protect our members. We had some success when a number of managers were eventually removed from their positions due to their abusive managerial style but more work was needed. As part ofour legislative strategy, MAPE met with state Rep. Ryan Winkler (D-Golden Valley) who, in turn, asked MMB and MAPE to create a policy addressing acceptable and unacceptable behaviors necessary for a professional workplace. While MAPE and other public sector unions provided input to MMB on the policy, this new Respectful Workplace Policy did not address all of the unions’ concerns and will need careful monitoring. To this end, MAPE is introducing a new regional lead position to help us oversee and track this new policy. This role will work hand in hand with all MAPE stewards as we seek to protect the work environment for our members. MAPE has developed several tools to help both our members facing an abusive work environment and our stewards’ work in changing this environment. This guidebook offers insight in both our history and experiences, and tips on how to use this new policy in your representation. The steward videos, available on MAPE’s YouTube channel, chronicle our early experiences and best practices before the new policy. The AntiBullying Toolkit will be a resource for members wanting to learn and gauge next steps. The ultimate goal of the policy is to create a professional workplace focused on delivering superior results for Minnesotans. Much ofour work has concentrated on the supervisor/manager and employee relationship, but it is important to remember that this new policy covers every state employee at every level. We all become stronger and have a better collective voice as we unite to ensure respectful workplaces for all. Chet Jorgenson MAPE Statewide President Workplace Bullyin

FAQs

What prompted Minnesota to introduce the Respectful Workplace Policy for state employees?

MAPE led a three-year antibullying campaign, after which Minnesota Management & Budget announced the Respectful Workplace Policy on April 10, 2015. The policy was created to define acceptable and unacceptable workplace behaviors for state employees.

How does the guidebook define workplace bullying and describe its effects?

It presents workplace bullying as harmful conduct with physical and mental health consequences such as stress, insomnia, depression, PTSD, and digestive problems. It also highlights workplace impacts like increased sick leave, home strain, transfers, or quitting.

What tools and templates does the guidebook provide for stewards and members?

It includes representational tips, a steward checklist, relational organizing guidance, and appendices such as a formal complaint template and a bullying incident log. Additional tools include a member survey template and referenced conduct and policy materials.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Lute