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BULLYING AT WORK IS AGAINST THE LAW
Bullying is defined as a repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety.*
Bullying behaviour can look like:
- Abusive or offensive language or comments
- Aggressive and intimidating behaviour
- Micromanagement
- Exclusion, or
- Unjustified criticism or complaints.
Bullying can seriously harm workers’ mental health by causing depression, psychological distress, and emotional exhaustion.
*As defined by Safe Work Australia
SAFETY. RESPECT. EQUITY.
We invite you to join us in demanding a future in which all women enjoy safety, respect and equity.
2021 wasn’t the first year that Australian women were harassed or unsafe or violated or ignored or disrespected. And it wasn’t the first year that women spoke up. But in 2021 more Australians started to listen to women of different ages, occupations and beliefs, who stood up and spoke out, exposing discrimination, harassment, sexism, disrespect and intimidation. And the more people listened, the more familiar the story became.
Over the years there have been countless reviews, inquiries, promises, conferences and bodies established to assess and report on the inequity and injustice women face, but there has been no meaningful change.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE WORKPLACE BULLYING
If you are being bullied, first and foremost you should look after your health
- Talk to your medical practitioner to help set up a mental health plan
- Note down who and what happened and keep it for your records – this may be important in future. You can download our bullying diary template HERE.
- Speak with your union – the United Services Union.
If you feel that you are being bullied at work, you might be wondering what can you do and who you can turn to?
Don’t feel like you’re alone, there is assistance out there. At the USU, we want to see workplaces where people feel safe and happy.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS BULLYING
If you witness bullying, you should check in with the person who is being bullied. A small gesture of recognising someone’s issues in the workplace can make a big difference.
Practically, you should make a note of what and when you observed the bullying event.
It may assist at a later date.
The United Services Union is here to listen and here to help. We can provide support throughout any internal investigation as well as Representation in either the Fair Work Commission or NSW Industrial Relations Commission. If the matter is a Workers Compensation Claim, USU members are also entitled to Legal Representation through the process.
If you are not a member and wish to join, you can do so by going to our website HERE or contact our Help Line on 1300 136 604 or speak to your Union Delegate