Tennessee’s new anti-bullying law for the workplace leads National efforts
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam joined State Representative Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis) for a ceremonial bill signing of HB1981, the “Healthy Workplace Act”.
The new law will require the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to create a model policy that state and local government employers can follow that will reduce instances of workplace bullying – which will both protect employees from harassment and protect employers from future litigation.
![Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam delivered his State of the State address on January 30th. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam delivered his State of the State address on January 30th.](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Tennessee-Governor-Bill-Haslam2-480x360.jpg)
According to the Healthy Workplace Campaign, 26 states since 2003 have introduced a healthy workplace bill, but now with Governor Haslam’s signature, Tennessee will be the first to see one passed.
“Tennessee is a right-to-work state, but that right should extend to having a healthy work environment as well,” said Representative Parkinson. “I believe the Healthy Workplace Act is a solution that both protects workers from bullying and hostile workplaces, while also increasing productivity and protecting employers from lawsuits in the future. A win-win for workers and employers alike.”