Very recently the NSW Government announced new legislation to better protect retail workers from abuse, harassment, assaults and worse, with increased penalties for those who continue to break the law.
We applaud this action by the NSW State Government under Minister Sophie Cotsis.
We have however been hearing of the same types of appalling behaviour being taken against other front-line workers, especially in Local Government, with reports of assaults, threats and abuse taking place every day.
We have parking inspectors who face abuse and worse every day at increased levels of risk since the recent move away from ticketless parking tickets back to ticketed parking by a recent Government decision.
We have Parks and Gardens workers who daily face harassment by homeless and mentally disturbed people when seeking to do their jobs.
We have had Pools closed to the public at times such as reported by Walgett Shire Council last week, where a pool worker was assaulted and issues at Lismore Pool where pool staff were threatened and abused and had human bodily waste thrown at them.
We have traffic controllers who are regularly abused and in some cases have had angry drivers spit at them and drive vehicles at them up to and including running them over.
We have had libraries shut at times from the public due to abuse such as at the Wallsend library this year, where it was reported in the news.
Many Customer Service staff also are regularly threatened and abused.
We also have no doubt that our members working in both the Energy and Airlines sectors in front line positions dealing with the public, also face regular abuse.
Front line workers who cannot avoid the public are increasingly facing violence and threats and need increased workplace safety as well as criminal protections extended to them also.
Make sure you are protected. If you are ever abused or threatened doing your job contact your USU delegate or Organiser.
We are always by your side
Stephen Hughes
Manager Northern
United Services Union
