[WiLT] Union report highlights 'unacceptable' level of bullying in VCS

[WiL Admin]

Union report highlights 'unacceptable' level of bullying

Almost half the members of trade union Unite who work in the voluntary
sector have experienced bullying in the past two years, research has
suggested.

A survey by Unite found that 43 per cent of those who responded said
they had been bullied over the period. This compares with a national
average of 10 per cent.

The union said the finding has forced it to renew calls for the sector
to tackle "unacceptable" levels of bullying. The call is part of
Unite's existing Dignity at Work campaign.

"Bullying is one of the biggest issues blighting workers in the
not-for-profit sector," said Rachael Maskell, national officer for the
community and not-for-profit sector at Unite. "Organisations should
implement a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.

"The only way for organisations to tackle the issue is by working with
employee representatives to find joint ways to challenge workplace
bullies and all forms of unacceptable behaviour and the underlying
culture that allows them to thrive."

A lack of proper human resources structures and poor management
training in the sector contributed to the problem, according to the
union.

The figures came as the union gathered representatives from across the
sector to look at the problem at a conference in London on 3 July.

Unite will be publishing guides for union reps working in the sector,
offering advice on how to deal with members who are being bullied.

http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/829349/Union-report-highlights-unacceptable-level-bullying/5FF3EEEFD984E0D1467F45A311C60804/