This advice is general only. Members must get specific advice in relation to any claim.
BULLYING AT WORK
What is bullying?
Workplace bullying can be verbal, physical, social or psychological. It can come from your employer or manager, a workmate or any individual or group of people at work. It can happen in any type of workplace and to all levels of workers. Some types of workplace bullying are also criminal offenses.
Types of bullying
In general, bullying:
Bullying in the workplace can take many forms, including:
What is not bullying?
Management actions carried out in a reasonable and fair way are not bullying. It is reasonable for management to:
Carried out in a fair and reasonable way, these kinds of actions are not bullying.
Bullying can also be discrimination
Protection from bullying is a basic human right. If you are being bullied because of your age, sex, pregnancy, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or certain other reasons, you may also be being discriminated against.
For more information on anti-discrimination laws, go to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Bullying can also be child-abuse
If you are under 16 years old, workplace bullying may also be child abuse. Child abuse is against the law.
What to do if you are being bullied
You have a right to a safe workplace free from violence, harassment and bullying. If you are being bullied, there are things you can do and people who can help. Here's some initial steps:
Write down what's happening
To prove that bullying is happening, you need to be able to show that it is repeated and enduring. So keep a diary or make a note of what happens, who is involved and when it happens, including anything you have done to try to stop it. This will help you if you later make a complaint.
Check your workplace bullying policy
Find out if your workplace has a bullying policy. If it does, then it may contain information about the procedure you should follow in your workplace to make a complaint.
Talk to someone you trust
You don't have to do this alone. If you have a trusted colleague in your workplace, talk to them. You may have a human resources department you can approach, or a health and safety representative. You can always ask your union for help. You can either ring the union office or ask the union delegate in your workplace.
Approaching the bully?
Only approach the bully if you feel confident about doing so. If you do, tell them that their behaviour is unwanted and not acceptable. Sometimes it's good to get advice from a manager or colleague or union on how to do this.
Get outside help
If there is no-one you can safely talk to at work, or the bullying continues after complaining to your manager or the appropriate person at work, get outside help.
Your union is always available to give you advice on your options and rights .Call the office on (03) 663 6815.
You can also contact the Australian Human Rights Commission to get advice or make a complaint about discrimination, harassment and bullying covered by anti-discrimination law.
Workplace Victoria can provide advice and help if you are experiencing workplace bullying.
The Commonwealth Fairwork Ombudsman can provide information and advice about Australia's workplace rights and rules and the protection you have against harassment and discrimination. Call 13 13 94
Bullying is your employer's responsibility
Your employer is legally required under occupational health and safety and anti-discrimination law to provide you with a safe workplace. If your employer is allowing bullying to occur in the workplace, then they are not meeting this responsibility.
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