6 December, 2005
Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter
The University of New England has renewed its commitment to tackling bullying through the launch of an initiative at Booloominbah on December 6, 2005.
The Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter aimed at combating bullying was the initiative introduced to the 60-plus people in attendance.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ingrid Moses, who put the Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter into motion by being the first to sign the document, also attended the launch, which included speeches by Catherine McConaghy and Don Hine.
UNE’s Senior Equity Officer Lyn Tucker is pleased about the launch of the Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter, which seeks to stamp out bullying through education and legislation.
The charter starts by defining bullying and then clarifies the definition by defining a number of key terms within it. “Repeated”, “unreasonable behaviour”, “behaviour”, and “risk to health and safety” are among the terms expanded upon sending out a clear message that bullying has a definable line and if it is crossed the offender will be dealt with.
The Charter also outlines types of bullying behaviour and managerial actions to be taken when bullying occurs.
This clear and definable literature is a step that Ms Tucker believes will have an impact on people who may be ‘workplace bullies’ without even knowing it.
“People are very busy at work and communication can suffer,” Ms Tucker said.
“This can very easily lead to people not treating each other courteously.”
“The important thing that this document does is outline what constitutes bullying and provides a legislative base for managers to draw on.”
Posters that contain the literature for the charter are set to be distributed around the university via OH&S work groups.
“I would encourage all managers and staff to sign and display the charter,” Ms Tucker said.