Has Sexual Harassment Increased in the Trump Era? Harassment Trump and Workplace Culture
The question of whether sexual harassment has increased in the Trump era is not simply a matter of statistics. It is a question about norms, permission, power and silence. It asks whether the world’s most visible political figure reshaped how harassment is understood, excused, minimised, or emboldened, particularly in workplaces where power imbalances already exist. […]
A Kiss, Emojis and ‘Love you’: Fair Work Confirms this is Sexual Harassment
A Woolworths manager has lost his bid to reclaim his job after the Fair Work Commission found he had sexually harassed a colleague 34 years his junior. The manager had subjected her to months of unwelcome conduct, repeatedly calling her “beautiful,” sending heart and kiss emojis and pressuring her to go out with him. He […]
Breaking the Silence: Victoria’s Landmark Restrictions on NDAs in Workplace Sexual Harassment Cases
For a long period of time, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have played a key role in dispute resolution processes across Australian workplaces. However, particularly in sexual harassment matters. This is because confidentiality clauses became imbedded into the routine. They have been positioned to have provided a neutral and unbiased method to finalise disputes. And a way […]
Christmas Party Harassment: 11 Warning Signs Employees Should Know
‘Tis the season of workplace Christmas parties. These events are usually presented as relaxed and informal. Occasions in which staff are encouraged to fraternise and socialise outside of the constraints imposed by the office. Alcohol is made more readily accessible and the hierarchies present in the office begin to feel less visible. There is a […]
‘So F*cking Hot’: Sexual Harassment Case Reveals Shocking Office Behaviour
A Perth worker who was dismissed for sexually harassing three female colleagues has been served a huge blow by the Fair Work Commission. The worker had his unfair dismissal claim rejected after the Commission ruled that his lurid conversations leering and offensive behaviour constituted serious sexual harassment. The worker regularly spoke of “rough sex” and […]
Airline Worker Wins $36K After Flawed Sexual Harassment Probe
A Perth airline worker who was forced to resign due to a botched sexual harassment investigation has won a $36,000 unfair dismissal payout. The Fair Work Commission found the investigation was riddled with delays and procedural flaws. It also observed that the airline told the victim that it couldn’t avoid rostering her on the same […]
NSW IRC introduces new progressive changes
New changes to the IRC NSW Changes have been made to the new NSW Industrial Relations Commission (NSW IRC). Additionally, there are changes across the whole Industrial Relations legislation. These changes are going to affect over 400,000 employees working across New South Wales’s public sector. This will include teachers, hospitals, local councils and more. From […]
Mad Mex worker wins $305K sexual harassment payout
‘What does your vulva look like?’: $305K sexual harassment payout A young migrant woman has been awarded $305,000 for the sexual harassment she experienced from senior male colleagues at a Sydney Mad Mex store. The victim alleged she was shown pornography on a “porn iPad” and asked “what my vulva looked like.” She was also […]
Single mother awarded big compensation
Single mother awarded compensation in the hospitality industry A recent case within the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission has made waves across the hospitality industry. The case involves a single mother fighting for her rights to work in a sexual harassment free workplace. The hospitality industry is vulnerable to acts of sexual harassment from customers and […]
Do victims regret complaining?
Do victims regret making a complaint The decision to lodge a complaint of sexual harassment is a scary, but often necessary, first step. Unfortunately, too many Australians have to consider whether they are willing to make a complaint. Forced into a position to either take care of their personal well-being, or consider the repercussions of […]