The Liberal Party of Quebec is concerned to see the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) question the results of a survey showing a toxic climate within its walls.
MP Michelle Setlakwe, spokesperson for international relations and the Francophonie, was surprised by the reaction of the OIF.
“In 2023, it is surprising and worrying that the first declarations emanating from an organization like the OIF on a work climate issue question the validity of the results, said the MP. We would have expected immediate and serious care. »
A representative of the OIF questioned the results of a survey carried out recently among OIF employees, revealing in particular that several employees believe that they have been victims of bullying and sexual harassment at work.
In an interview at DutyWednesday, Alain Pham, the director of the office of the administrator Caroline St-Hilaire, evaluated that the percentages of alleged cases of sexual and moral harassment, measured by the survey, are two times lower than what the results show. .
Mme Setlakwe advocated the importance of a healthy working climate within the organization, which has 340 employees, particularly at its headquarters in Paris.
“We are surprised and worried about the interpretation of the survey by the leaders of the OIF,” she said. A healthy and safe work environment is essential for the proper functioning of any organization. These are values that we uphold in Quebec, and we expect strong and undisputed Quebec leadership on this subject. »
Intervention requested
On this subject, Mr.me Setlakwe expressed concern about some recent changes made by Francophonie Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo to Caroline St-Hilaire’s responsibilities.
“Several questions are currently being asked, in particular about the appearance of a reduced role for Mme St-Hilaire as she begins a mandate of great importance for Quebec within the Francophonie, said the MP. It will be interesting to watch his leadership on the many facets of this highly strategic file. »
According to the Liberal spokesperson, the Minister of International Relations, Martine Biron, whose cabinet ruled this week that Mr. Pham’s remarks fell within the internal management of the OIF, cannot remain silent.
“We believe it is time for Minister Biron to speak out on all these issues,” said Ms.me Setlakwe.
The survey, carried out at the request of the staff committee with the agreement of Mme Mushikiwabo, notably revealed that 44% of employees believe they have been victims of moral harassment at work, and 9%, of sexual harassment.
Stating that only half of OIF employees responded on these topics, Mr. Pham concluded that the percentages should be divided by two. Following this reasoning, he concluded that allegations of moral harassment should be reduced to 22% and those of sexual harassment to 4.5%.
Mr. Pham did not want to consider the hypothesis that these proportions could be maintained by broadening the pool of respondents, even less that they increase.