Bullying

Your workplace is NO place for bullying!

IS THIS YOUR WORKPLACE?

unreasonable demands or impossible targets
restrictive and petty work rules
being required to perform tasks without adequate training
being forced to stay back to finish work or additional tasks
compulsory overtime, unfair rostering or allocation of work
constant, intrusive surveillance or monitoring
no say in how your job is done
interference with personal belongings or sabotage of work
shouting or abusive language
open or implied threat of the sack, or demotion
people afraid to speak up about conditions

WHAT IS BULLYING?

No one works at their best if they feel hurt, angry, vulnerable or powerless. Bullying at work is a problem which is only just beginning to be recognised as one of the main causes of workplace stress. Bullying is a form of psychological or physical harassment and women and men at all levels of employment can be affected by it. The bully can be a manager, a supervisor or a co-worker.
Many people think of bullying as persecuting or 'ganging up' on individuals.
But that's only part of the story.
Most bullying is not so obvious.
Bossing people around, intimidating, threatening or keeping them under pressure is also bullying.
This is the most common form of bullying in Australian workplaces, and is a risk to health and safety.
Those seen to be most vulnerable include young workers; apprentices and trainees; women; older workers and people of non-English speaking background, who may experience sexual and /or racist harassment.
However, bullying can happen to anyone
It occurs across all industries and in all professions.

BULLYING IS A GROWING PROBLEM

The push for even higher 'productivity' in an increasingly competitive environment can result in bullying tactics being used to drive workers to the limit.
Workers get the blame for poor performance or low productivity, no matter how well they do their jobs.

HEALTH AND SAFETY ASPECTS

Bullying can effect our health in many ways.
Being bossed around is a major cause of stress at work.
At worst it can result in serious physical illness, alcohol and drug use, depression or suicidal thoughts.
Other symptoms can include headaches, sleep difficulties, high blood pressure, digestive problems, tearfulness, anxiety, nausea, anger, irritability and loss of motivation, concentration, self-confidence and morale.

The effects of bullying can also place pressure on family and friends

BULLYING MUST NOT BE TOLERATED!

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy environment at work.

If bullying is happening in your workplace, there are ways to deal with it
get the issues out in the open by talking with fellow workers
hold a meeting, away from the workplace if necessary
get the workplace health & safety representatives, OHS committee, or other delegates to take up the issues
contact your Union for assistance

Under occupational health & safety legislation, employers have a legal duty to control all health and safety hazards in the workplace

Never tolerate any form of bullying.

Please contact your Union if you feel this is happening to you.

Your Union can support you to take action...

Please contact our office for more information:
9893 9011 or toll free 1800 451 535