Survey to reveal levels and types of bullying

By Deborah Greenhill and Susan Benham

Federation is conducting a confidential and anonymous survey about bullying.

The survey has been distributed to a random sample of Federation members on behalf of the term 4 Federation Anna Stewart Officers.

The survey's purpose is to ascertain levels and types of bullying occurring within Department of Education and Training (DET) workplaces. These statistics will then be used to inform the continuing pursuit of this matter with the DET and will assist Federation in developing policies. Current policies and procedures need to be reviewed and publicised to all DET employees who are entitled to access the relevant processes with confidentiality and without fear of retribution.

The survey is being conducted in response to one of the 2006 Annual Conference decisions to act on the many issues surrounding staff welfare and bullying.

Federation continues to investigate workplace bullying, pro active preventive measures and the processes in reporting and managing these situations.

The draft Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter developed by Unions NSW and the Premier's Department states: "Everyone in the workplace, irrespective of their position, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. No one should suffer bullying or harassment while going about their work."

Workplace bullying is repeated inappropriate behaviour, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual's right to dignity at work. It is unreasonable and inappropriate behaviour that intimidates, offends, degrades, insults or humiliates an employee or group of employees. Such behaviour may be physical or psychological in nature, direct or indirect. Often the perpetrator has a supervisory role, although sometimes both the perpetrator and the victim have the same status. In schools and TAFE colleges, it can also include bullying by students and parents. It is important to note that an isolated incident would not normally be considered to be bullying.

Workplace bullying has been identified by members as having a major impact on health. Despite DET's Code of Conduct and grievance procedures, workplace bullying persists. Furthermore, the Occupational Health and Safety Act places an obligation on employers to ensure workplaces are safe; this means they should be free from bullying and harassment.

Deborah Greenhill and Susan Benham are Anna Stewart Officers for term 4.

For further information

November 2006 contents