The primary union representing federal government workers says there is a link between the number of people going on disability leave and the problem of harassment in the federal public service.

Public Service Alliance of Canada vice-president Patty Ducharme said the number of claims with the federal disability insurance plan involving mental health conditions has doubled to 1,211 in 2009 from 602 in 1991, and now make up over 44 per cent of all approved federal disability claims.

Meanwhile, the last Public Service Employee Survey in 2008 found 31 per cent of women and 25 per cent of men reported having been the victim of harassment in the previous two years.

Ducharme said there is a correlation between the two findings and it should serve as a wakeup call to the government.

"[It] should deliver a very strong message to the employer that our workplaces are fraught with discrimination and harassment," said Ducharme in an interview on Tuesday. "Our workplaces are toxic and we need to find solutions."

CBC has interviewed a number of non-unionized public servants working as managers or directors who say they were harassed and bullied by senior staff and forced to go on leave or quit because of a lack of support from supervisors. And since those stories aired, several more alleged victims have come forward to CBC complaining of abuse.

Ducharme said while unionized employees do have representation from labour lawyers when they have issues, most public servants remain afraid to bring claims forward for fear of reprisal.

Ruth Sirman, a professional mediator who consults for the federal government, said harassment cases cost the government in lost productivity when victims go on disability leave.

"It doesn't take too long before it's easy to make a financial business case for creating healthier workplaces where people actually chose to stay and where the work is actually getting done," said Sirman.

Ducharme said PSAC is developing an educational program for union members and managers. She said part of the problem is that while there is more awareness of the issue of sexual harassment, other forms of harassment aren't given the same attention.