Oz: New union policy on sexual harassment


Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit

source: Green Left Weekly #363  6/2/99


New union policy on sexual harassment

By Melanie Sjoberg

ADELAIDE - ``Sexual harassment is against the law'', ACTU president Jennie
George reminded more than 60 participants at the launch of a new publication
of the SA United Trades and Labour Council, Uniting to Eliminate Sexual
Harassment.

George pointed out that complaints of sexual harassment generated the second
highest caseload for the Working Women's Centre, which assisted in the
production of the document. She added that it is unfortunate that it still
has to be argued that fighting sexual harassment is important. The document
was written because leading women unionists believe trade unions are not
proactive enough on the issue.

George drew attention to the fact a union can be held liable if it fails to
act when complaints of sexual harassment are raised by members.

The document states that unions should be not merely use legal action. It
explains that unions have a role to play in creating a sexual
harassment-free culture and atmosphere in workplaces by ensuring that their
own employees are not subjected to harassment and other forms of abusive
behaviour.

Union policy, the document asserts, should include processes to deal with
complaints in which a union member or official is the alleged abuser. By
taking action, unions reinforce the rights of all women and men to a
workplace free from offensive behaviour, the document points out.

The document also suggests that unions consider funding independent
representation in sexual harassment cases to avoid a conflict of interests.

                             -30-

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