UNIONS Tasmania Secretary Kevin Harkins’ comment that employers are ‘workplace psychopaths’ who frequently intimidate and frighten employees is irresponsible and ignorant of modern workplace practices, says resource industry employer group AREEA.
AREEA Tasmanian spokesperson Bill FitzGerald said Mr Harkins’ comments to the federal government’s inquiry into workplace bullying in Hobart are contradictory to detailed research which shows resource industry employers generally enjoy safe and harmonious relationships with their employees.
“These sweeping accusations paint a distorted picture of Tasmanian workplaces which is certainly not applicable to the resource industry,” said Mr FitzGerald, an experienced employment lawyer and workplace relations consultant.
“Resource employers treat the issue of bullying with the seriousness it deserves and acknowledge that maintaining a harassment-free work environment is essential to a safe and productive culture that is ultimately good for business.
“Workplace behaviour policies and training is rolled-out across all worksites and this extends from workers right through to senior management. Employers understand they have a duty to keep their workplaces free from both physical and psychological harm.
“In the event that workplace harassment does occur, employees are provided with clear avenues to have their concerns heard by professional mediators at no cost, so that such behaviour is quickly eradicated. There is certainly no room for bullying ‘psychopaths’ in the resource industry.”
Backed by the results of its ongoing RMIT Workplace Relations Research Project, AREEA’s submission to the federal government’s workplace bullying inquiry states that the perpetrators of harassment in the resource and construction industries are far more commonly union delegates bullying other non-union workers.
“Many reports have surfaced of instances of intimidation of non-union workers and those who do not support strike action. I find it incongruous that Mr Harkins makes these reckless comments about Tasmanian employers while such union behaviour is rife in the building and resource industries,” said Mr FitzGerald.
In its recent submission, AREEA highlighted how greater education for both employers and workers would be far more effective than additional regulation of Australian workplaces.
“The framework already exists to negate and manage cases of bullying in Tasmanian workplaces; therefore further regulation is not the answer. A program of increased education of both employers and workers would be more effective in achieving our common goal of eradicating bullying in the workplace,” said Mr FitzGerald.
Mr Harkins is sure to be challenged on his workplace views by an audience of resource industry employers at AREEA’s Tasmanian Conference in Hobart on 7th September 2012.
As part of the full-day conference’s analysis of workforce planning in Tasmania’s resource industry, Mr Harkins will debate contentious workplace issues with industry leaders during a special Q&A panel session.
“We look forward to hearing Mr Harkin’s explain his views on workplace bullying to a room of professionals who are dedicated to creating harmonious workplaces enjoyed by thousands of Tasmanian workers,” said Mr FitzGerald.
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