CPSU believes all employees deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at work.
This guide is intended as general advice only - CPSU members should contact the Members Service Centre on 1300 137 636 for advice and support specific to your individual circumstances.
CPSU advocates taking a proactive approach to address issues before things
get out of hand.
What should you do if you feel you're being bullied or harassed?
Know the rules: Most
organisations have policies that specifically deal with workplace conflict -
including processes for resolving conflict - so make sure you are familiar
with guidelines that apply in your workplace.
Keep a record: Often
resolving cases of bullying or harassment relies on your ability to
demonstrate patterns of unacceptable behaviour over time. Keeping brief
notes can help mediators gain a better understanding of history of the
relationship and identify ways in which the situation can be resolved. From
an individual perspective it can often help to express thoughts and emotions
rather than keeping it all 'bottled up'.
Break the silence:
There are people you can talk to on a confidential basis. CPSU members can
call the Member Service Centre for individual advice and support on 1300 137
636. Many workplaces have a harassment contact officer who is trained to
confidentially listen to your concerns and give advice about your options to
resolve the situation. Most public servants also have access to a limited
no-fee counseling service where you can discuss issues away from the
workplace.
Not a member yet?
It's easy to join - just click on the Join CPSU online button at the top
right hand corner of your screen or call 1300 137 636.
APSC Current advice on harassment and bullying from the Australian Public Service Commission. [read more]AHRC The Australian Human Rights Commission can help with discrimination on the grounds of race, colour or ethnic origin , racial vilification , sex, sexual harassment, marital status, pregnancy, or disability. [read more]
