Violence in the factory

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HealthWiki > Workers' Guide to Health and Safety > Chapter 22: Violence > Violence in the factory

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In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

• Chapter 22: Violence
• Violence in the factory
• Sexual violence
• Protect yourself and others

There are many forms of violence. Sometimes we do not recognize them as violence because we are used to them and they feel normal. But the bad effects violence can have on our mental and physical health are not something that we should get used to. We do not think that injuries from dangerous machines are normal. Likewise, why should we think violent behaviors are ok?

Look at you! You are so clumsy, stupid girl!

An abusive supervisor is a workplace danger.

Everyday abuse

Constant yelling, name calling, rude comments, and insults are forms of emotional and psychological violence. Sometimes workers do not even recognize this abuse because it is so common. Constant abuse damages self-esteem and trains us to accept bad working conditions and other types of violence as well.

Physical violence

Physical violence is the most visible kind of violence. Workers are beaten, cut, slapped, shoved, pinched, hit, and burned. (To treat these injuries, see First aid for machine injuries.) Some employers hit in places where bruises cannot be seen, so the worker cannot report and prove it. When workers live with the constant fear of being struck by their supervisors, it also creates stress and other mental health problems (see Chapter 27).

Murder

In too many countries, factory owners pay thugs (sometimes other workers or corrupt union officials) to murder workers, organizers, and union leaders to stop them from demanding better wages or conditions. Sometimes they count on the police or military to carry out this work for them. To create more fear and gain more control, they also threaten and kill workers’ families.

Activity

Facing fear together

Bosses use violence to instill fear in workers and shut up union leaders. Many workers are reluctant to talk about their fear of violence and instead let the violence do just what it was meant to: prevent people from participating in organizing. For a group to withstand violence, it is important to talk about people’s fears and come up with ways to support each other. When you call a meeting to discuss fear of violence:

1. Remind people of their reasons for organizing.
   • Issues: Restate why the issues are important to each and every worker and what your organizing will achieve.
   • Strength in unity: The fears each person faces appear smaller and less overwhelming when people feel part of a larger, supportive group.

Some male workers might not want to admit to a large group they are afraid, since men are raised not to show fear.
2. Give workers space to talk about their fears. Encourage people to talk freely. Sometimes social or political reasons prevent people from being open about their fears. Be compassionate and find creative ways to encourage people to participate. The goal is not to get rid of fear, but to learn how to face fear and not let it stop your organizing efforts.
3. Identify fears shared by the whole group. Make a list of the fears people raise, and ask which fears are the most serious or widespread.
4. Make a plan for dealing with these specific fears and threats of violence. By talking about the most common fears of violence, workers can begin to make plans for dealing with them. You can talk about ways to reduce risks, prevent leaders and organizers from being identified, increase support from other workers and organizations, and campaign against violence.

If the climate at your factory becomes extremely violent, the group might consider temporarily hiding their organizing efforts. This may not stop the violence, but it can give workers a chance to regroup and decide how to continue the struggle in ways that feel safer.

This page was updated:28 Feb 2021