Bully Busters
Type: Union News Subject: OHS
1 October 2004
Vanessa Arnison signing the bullying charter.
How do you stop a bully at work? Signing a 'dignity and respect charter' with your employer is one step towards a bully-free workplace.
Vanessa Arnison has never been the victim of bullying, but she's passionate about helping prevent it in the workplace. That's why Vanessa, a nurse educator from Blacktown hospital, signed a dignity and respect charter with her employer last month.
Vanessa signed on behalf of employees of Western Sydney Area Health Service (WSAHS). The co-signatory was Kevin Gillies for WSAHS.
They signed the charter during an anti-bullying conference organised by the NSW Labor Council at Sydney Opera House last month.
'By adopting the charter, employers signal to their staff that they will not tolerate bullying and harassment,' Vanessa said.
Occupational health and safety law requires employers to create a workplace free from bullying and harassment. But, as the conference heard, sometimes employers are part of the problem.
Labor Council Secretary John Robertson told the conference the story of a 16-year-old boy who had glue and sawdust sprayed into his mouth as part of his 'initiation' into a workplace.
WorkCover prosecuted the company which was fined $24,000. Managers were fined $1000 each. 'This case sends a powerful message about what is acceptable and what is not,' he said.
Bullying is not always so overt
A former Chubb Security employee, John McPhilbin, gave an emotional speech to the conference about how psychological bullying had destroyed his physical and mental health.
His speech was dedicated to Linda Costa, who committed suicide following 10 years of bullying at her workplace.
John Robertson said unions are part of the solution. 'Bullying is about isolation, and the key role of unions is working together,' he said. 'I don't think we can delude ourselves that the charter will stop this problem, but it is a step in the right direction.'
What to do if you've been bullied
What to do if you've been bullied depends on your individual situation.
Try speaking directly to the bully. If it's the first instance of bullying and you feel confident, calmly ask the bully to stop, and say you're not prepared to talk to them until they settle down and treat you with respect.
Check your workplace anti-bullying policy or code of conduct for a definition of acceptable behaviour. Also check the grievance procedures at your workplace.
Raise the issue with your occupational health and safety representative or human resources officer, and request confidentiality.
Bullying can be difficult to prove. Record incidents of bullying in a diary in as much detail as possible and write down names of people who might be able to support your claim. Keep all copies of correspondence.
Ask your colleagues for support, but don't be discouraged if you don't get support at work. You can get outside help. The Workers Health Centre offers medical advice and assessment. Contact them on (02) 9749 7666 or your employer might have an employee assistance program that you can access.
If you have suffered physically or mentally as a result of bullying, you may be entitled to workers' compensation.
Encourage your employer to run training and education programs to prevent bullying and harassment.
Encourage them also to say 'no' to bullying by signing the dignity and respect charter. The charter sets out a list of steps to a bully-free workplace. You can get a copy of the charter from the Labor Council on (02) 9264 1691.
Don't put up with it. Get informed. The Unionsafe website has a number of fact sheets on bullying, including tips for employers.
Link: Visit http://unionsafe.labor.net.au/delegates/index_10.html
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