PSA survey on bullying/harassment in DET

The PSA has presented the results of survey on bullying and harassment to management at Department of Education & Training. The survey shows that bullying and harassment is a significant problem. The PSA wants the Department to develop adequate policy and procedures to address the problem.

The survey was of the 1000 members in head office, district and state offices.

73 members reported they had experienced some bullying or harassment - that's quite a large number. A majority of them said the department did not adequately deal with their cases.

Most of the victims were women (52 of the 73), and most were over 40 (57 of the 73).

The bullying/harassment was nearly all verbal, with a small number being physical or by e-mail. Most of it came from managers/supervisors.

It's the PSA belief that a lot of it can be addressed by proper policies and procedures, and training of managers so that they operates within those guidelines.

MORE SURVEYS

The PSA Schools Departmental Committee has asked that a similar survey be conducted of School Administrative & Support Staff. That will commence in a few weeks time.

There will also be a survey of School Assistants and Senior Schools Assistants during Term 2 on altering their current work arrangements, particularly hours of work. These classifications are currently under review.