Bullying at work is against the law.

Bullying is defined as a repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety.

Bullying behaviour can look like:

• Abusive or offensive language or comments
• Aggressive and intimidating behaviour
• Micromanagement
• Exclusion, or
• Unjustified criticism or complaints.

Bullying can seriously harm workers’ mental health by causing depression, psychological distress, and emotional exhaustion.   

What to do if you are experiencing bullying at work:

1. If you are being bullied, first and foremost you should look after your health
2. Note down who and what happened and keep it for your records, this may be important in future
3. Talk to your medical practitioner to help set up a mental health plan
4. Speak with your union, the Australian Services Union.

To speak with a member of our team at the Australian Services Union, get in contact with us to discuss how we can help you or your colleagues who may be experiencing or witnessing bullying at work. http://www.asu.asn.au/contact

If you believe you are being discriminated against at work, don’t delay because dealing with issues before they become entrenched can lead to the best outcomes. Contact your union delegate or ASU Branch for advice: www.asu.asn.au/contact

The Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 prohibits discrimination in public and private sector employment on the following grounds:

• • age
  • impairment, mental, intellectual, psychiatric and physical
  • disability
  • marital status
  • medical record
  • nationality
  • political opinion
  • criminal record
  • race, colour, nationality, national extraction
  • social origin
  • religion
  • gender
  • sexual orientation
  • trade union activity

What have unions achieved in relation to occupational health and safety?

For over 160 years, unions have campaigned to reduce death, injury and illness at work. Many protections and rights we take for granted were fought for, and won by unions.

Download the Health & Safety Timeline 1856-2009 for more information.