Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto is sounding the alarm over what she describes as "deeply disappointing" findings from multiple workplace bullying investigations within the city's bylaw services department.
The revelations come at a challenging time for municipal operations, with the mayor acknowledging the department has faced "a number of challenges" in recent months. While specific details of the investigations remain confidential to protect those involved, the mayor confirmed that the findings point to serious workplace culture issues that demand immediate attention.
A Call for Cultural Transformation
"It's disappointing," Mayor Alto stated bluntly when addressing the media. "It suggests that there is a culture in that department that needs to change."
The mayor emphasized that creating a safe and respectful work environment isn't just preferable—it's essential for effective municipal operations. "We need to make sure that every single person who works for the city feels safe and respected in their workplace," she asserted.
Accountability and Next Steps
While stopping short of confirming whether disciplinary actions would follow the investigations, Mayor Alto made it clear that accountability remains a priority. "There are a number of things that we need to do to make sure that we're supporting the people who are affected by this," she noted, indicating that comprehensive measures are being developed.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges municipalities face in maintaining healthy workplace environments, particularly in departments like bylaw enforcement that often deal with high-stress situations.
City officials have pledged to implement changes based on the investigation findings, though the specific timeline and nature of these interventions remain under discussion. The commitment to transformation, however, appears unwavering from the mayor's office.
