Alberta volunteers quit amid allegations of disrespectful environment in NDP

The party says they are committed to providing a safe workspace for staff

Alberta volunteers quit amid allegations of disrespectful environment in NDP

Two volunteers of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Alberta have left a day after a letter calling on the NDP to investigate cases of disrespect to party volunteers was leaked to the public.

In a letter obtained by The Canadian Press, the NDP and Opposition Leader Rachel Notley is called on to "initiate a process for independent review into reported instances of disrespect or mistreatment of volunteers by party staff."

The letter alleged that some individuals reported cases of disrespect to constituency associations and individuals from central party staff members.

According to the authors, who sent the letter three months ago, the gravity of the alleged instances necessitates an independent probe to collect facts and provide recommendations.

In addition, the authors of the letter also expressed concerns that their constituency association presidents are being left out, with their input not taken seriously by higher authorities. They also called for a clear timeline for the vetting process.

A day after the letter leaked, two of the Alberta volunteers have quit, attributing their decisions to the treatment to volunteers, CBC reported.

One of the volunteers alleged that that abuse is directed to 90% women, with her concerns on the treatment of volunteers not receiving action.

She added that the staff were rude, belittling, and condescending to volunteers and potential candidates, with some also on the receiving end of shouting during meetings, CBC reported.

Read more: Alberta rolls out new Respectful Workplace Policy

NDP responds

Opposition Leader Rachel Notley said in a media conference that the executive is looking into the letter, Global News reported, but noted that it made broad allegations without specifics and particulars.

According to Notley, it is important to "follow the process" and that it was important to hear the accused.

"There are two sides to every story," said Notley as quoted by Global News.

Brandon Stevens, NDP's executive director, said they have already met with the letter's authors, but refused to discuss further the things they talked about.

However, he noted that they are considering changes to the NDP's anti-harassment policy, which will protect volunteers and staff from harassment.

According to Stevens in another report from the CBC, they are also looking forward to the recommendations for a new policy at their upcoming party council meeting.

"We are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for volunteers, employees, and all Albertans."

But for one of the volunteers who left, she said she does not believe that the officials will resolve the concerns, and instead will just make them go away.

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