Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam Signs Healthy Workplace Act

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.

“In Tennessee, we have passed legislation that can serve as a model for states around the country,” said Representative Parkinson. “Many countries outside of the United States, including our neighbor Canada, have instituted similar workplace protections to address bullying, now Tennessee can be a leader for our country to join the rest of the world.”

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.”