Bullying

By Gabrielle Marchetti

Poor management techniques and excessive performance monitoring may result in employees feeling stressed and, in some cases, bullied.

If bullying allegations are not responded to promptly and adequately employers will risk lengthy sick leave absences, low morale and possibly high staff turnover rates. Complaints can be made to tribunals such as Workcover and Discrimination boards, and to industrial tribunals, for breaches of contract and unfair dismissal. The recent case of Hill v Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads (Lacy SDP) (PR946017) before the AIRC highlighted these issues.

The fines handed down in NSW by the Industrial Magistrate in Inspctor Gregory Maddaford v M A Coleman Joinery (NSW) Pty Ltd, Brian and Graham Coleman NSWIMC 5/5/04 also highlight the growing concerns with bullying.

(CCH Industrial Law News; issue 6, 18 June 2004)