Survey reveals high levels of bullying

By Susan Benham and Deborah Greenhill

A high incidence of bullying of Department of Education and Training (DET) staff has been recorded in responses received so far to Federation's workplace bullying survey.

The union urges any outstanding surveys to be sent as soon as possible to help in the final analysis.

The overwhelming majority of staff who have returned the survey report they have been bullied at work. Of these, half report being bullied on at least a monthly basis, while one third report being bullied on a weekly basis. Once all of the data has been collated, more specific information to identify who is doing the bullying will be reported.

Recommendations from the survey so far strongly urge publication of the behaviours that constitute workplace bullying. Currently, many staff record negative experiences from reporting or challenging inappropriate language and actions. Survey respondents also stress the importance of executive staff being trained in effective management and conflict resolution strategies that will enhance dignity and respect in the workplace. DET worksites are unarguably very busy, however, employees are people, not simply 'human resources'.

A forum discussion has been opened in the Members' Area of Federation's website (www.nswtf.org.au). Interested members are invited to discuss workplace bullying and offer recommendations on reducing this practice in DET worksites.

Results from the survey and a range of recommendations from members will be presented to the final Executive meeting this year. A presentation of our research as Anna Stewart Officers will be made at the March 2007 Women's Conference.

We anticipate that these findings will give impetus to the decision made at the 2006 Annual Conference to urge the DET to fund formal training to recognise and reduce workplace bullying.

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

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December 2006 contents