SFL partners with Hillberg & Berk to support survivors of domestic violence

SFL partners with Hillberg & Berk to support survivors of domestic violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 6, 2017

SFL partners with Hillberg & Berk to support survivors of domestic violence

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) and Hillberg & Berk – a Canadian Jeweler with international fame based in Saskatchewan – have partnered to exclusively offer Burgundy Sparkle Ball™ Earrings to End Domestic Violence. The earrings, which cost $70, will be sold by the SFL and all proceeds will go to the Provincial Association of Transitional Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS) for the services they provide to survivors of domestic violence.

“This is a unique partnership, and indicative of our labour movement’s commitment to finding new solutions to ending domestic violence,” said Lori Johb, secretary-treasurer of the SFL. Johb also Co-chairs the SFL OH&S Committee and Chairs the SFL Women’s Committee.

The soft launch of this initiative took place at the SFL’s annual Occupation Health and Safety Conference in Saskatoon to highlight the fact that domestic violence is also a workplace safety issue.

“Domestic violence is a workplace safety issue,” said Johb, “we know, from a ground-breaking study conducted by the Canadian Labour Congress and Western University, that 82% of those who experienced domestic violence said it negatively impacted their ability to do their job. Almost 40% of those said the violence kept them from even getting to work,” she added.

The study also found that:

• 41% of domestic violence survivors said they would get abusive phone call and text messages at work;
• 21% reported stalking and harassment near the workplace;
• In nearly 20% of all cases, the abuser physically came to the workplace, and;
• Large numbers of survivors reported receiving abusive emails at work, and that the abuser was contacting co-workers and the employer.

“Our partnership with Hillberg & Berk is just one way to support the immediate needs of survivors,” said Johb, “going forward, I call on the provincial government to do more for survivors – such as legislating paid leave from work so survivors can seek help, get legal counsel, or otherwise get themselves or their children to safety,” she added.

The SFL represents over 100,000 working people across the province in 37 affiliated unions.

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For additional information, contact:

Kent Peterson
Strategic Advisor, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
m: 1 (306) 570-1855
e: k.peterson@sfl.sk.ca