TEMPLATE LETTER

Here is a template letter for your local politician. The more personal the letter the more likely it is to get read so feel free to include your own thoughts or feelings around the misuse of NDAs.

Date:

Dear (name of MP/MLA)

As a constituent, I am writing to urge you to support moves to ban the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to cover up complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and other misconduct.

The extensive use of NDAs in workplaces, universities and government agencies is well-established. Research indicates that up to one third of individuals making complaints of harassment or bullying are required to sign an agreement that gags them for life about what happened to them and hides the misconduct from co-workers and future employers.

There is also research showing that a significant proportion of those signing an NDA will later regret this and experience mental health problems as they are forced to remain silent, often barred from speaking with family, friends, co-workers and even a therapist.

Finally, there is growing evidence that the anticipation of being asked to sign an NDA discourages individuals from even bringing forward a complaint (in addition to other existing challenges).

This practice is unnecessary and immoral. Victims can seek personal confidentiality, but they should not be expected to agree to protect the offender in order to secure their own privacy or receive a settlement. The use of NDAs allows perpetrators to continue to harm others, either at their current or future workplace and it is a contravention of a basic human right to be able to speak about your own abuse and or warn others.

The pervasive use of NDAs effects more constituents than you might realise. For all these reasons, I urge you to consider this issue carefully and use your voice to bring forward or to support efforts to ban the misuse of NDAs.

Yours sincerely,

(Your name)