Workplace Bullying | Fair Work Commission Quarterly Report

24th April 2014

The Fair Work Commission has published it’s first Quarterly Report listing the action taken to address complaints of workplace bullying. The Report covers the period 1 January to 31 March 2014.

• There were 151 complaints of workplace bullying filed with the Fair Work Commission.
• 28 of those applications were withdrawn prior to a conference or hearing of the Commission.
• 20 applications were resolved or withdrawn during mediations, conferences or hearings of the Commission.
• 7 applications were dismissed by the Commission as being either outside the jurisdiction, frivolous, vexatious or had no reasonable prospect of success.
• 1 order was granted by the Commission finding that the applicant was at risk of continuing bullying at work. The Report does not include the details of the order.

The balance of 95 applications complaining of workplace bullying are not mentioned and therefore we assume they are yet to be decided by the Commission.

The majority (133) of complaints were made by employees. Four contractors, one volunteer and only one apprentice complained of workplace bullying.

19 complaints were made by persons engaged in small businesses and 109 of the 151 applications alleged bullying by their manager.

There was a wide range of industries from which complaints eminated however, topping the list, 15% were from persons in the Clerical industry and 8.6% from the Retail Industy. Health and welfare services and Education services represented 7.3% and 6.6% respectively.

If you would like further advice on preventing and responding to workplace bullying please contact me.