Caribbean Public Services Association (CPSA)

CODE OF CONDUCT

2013

The Caribbean Public Services Association (CPSA) encourages the equitable and active participation of it members within its structure and programmes. The CPSA and its members must at all times uphold and comply with applicable laws, and regulations agreed to by its Conference, which inter alia binds all representatives, delegates, executive officials and observers to observe same.

The organization recognizes that individuals as representatives of their unions may from time to time err or deviate from what is considered as acceptable behavior at conferences, meetings, workshops or other activities.

The responsibility however lies on each individual to behave in a manner which may not cause embarrassment and annoyance to colleagues or which can be viewed as being disrespectful.

Individuals should guard against any behavior or action which will bring the CPSA into disrepute.

The following acts are examples of breaches of respect to each other and are not intended to include all acts which may cause embarrassment to colleagues, be viewed as disrespectful or which can bring the organisation into disrepute:

  • Use of obscene language
  • Uncontrolled altercation
  • Persistent interruption while an individual is speaking
  • Disrespect for the chair
  • False accusation of a colleague
  • A deliberate abuse of the courtesy/hospitality of a fellow union
  • Verbal or Physical attack
  • Sexual harassment

 

In instances where differences exist between individuals, all attempts should be made to promptly resolve the matter. Where the individuals have failed to resolve the issue any of the parties may either in writing or verbally bring it to the attention of the General Secretary who will determine the procedure for addressing the matter. In doing so the General Secretary may do any or all of the following:

Activate a small conflict resolutions committee comprising at least members of two different affiliates in addition to the General Secretary of CPSA who will head that committee.

 

  • Request additional information (written or verbal)
  • Summon a meeting of the parties
  • Appoint an individual (from an affiliate) or more to investigate the matter
  • Inform affiliates of findings
  • Implement the recommendations of the investigator(s)
  • Advise parties of the decision

 

Penalties for any of the breaches earlier mentioned may include any or more than one of the following:

  • Written or oral apology
  • Written or oral sanction
  • Payment of a fine to be determined
  • Suspension of the offender from future participation in CPSA’s activities and programmes for a period to be determined
  • Formally reporting the incident and outcome to the relevant affiliated Union(s)

In any situation in which the General Secretary is party to any case of misconduct his role in dealing with the matter shall be assumed by the sitting President of CPSA.