Union lodges SafeWork SA complaint against Adelaide Hills Council over alleged workplace bullying, intimidation
A union has lodged a SafeWork SA complaint alleging serious “psychosocial” bullying and workplace intimidation of staff at Adelaide Hills Council.
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Adelaide Hills Council is facing serious claims of alleged bullying and “psychosocial” workplace intimidation of staff, a union said it lodged a complaint with SafeWork SA.
The Australia Services Union said it had received “consistent” reports of bullying and a culture of intimidation at the council, alleging it had failed to act on their concerns internally.
However, the council said it had received no communication from the ASU, nor SafeWork SA and could not respond to the allegations.
The Advertiser understands a SafeWork inspector has been appointed for the complaint.
A SafeWork SA spokesperson did not deny an inspector had been appointed but said confidentiality provisions under the Work Health and Safety Act prevented it from providing details or commentary.
It comes after Adelaide Hills Council turned over nearly a quarter of its staff last financial year, including three of its senior directors.
AHC lost 49 staff members – about 22 per cent of its 215 full-time equivalent employees – including multiple employees with lengthy years of extensive experience.
ASU’s SA branch secretary Abbie Spencer said an investigation was now in the hands of SafeWork SA.
“The Australian Services Union has received consistent reports of psychosocial workplace hazards including bullying and an alleged culture of intimidation at the Adelaide Hills Council,” Ms Spencer said.
“After reports from members that the employer had failed to act on their concerns internally, the union lodged a report to SafeWork SA in late September.
“The investigation is now in the hands of SafeWork SA and the Union will continue to engage with the regulator, our members and council through the investigation process.”
The council is already facing a string of controversies this year after the mayor was stripped of powers amid a confidential report into her obtaining legal advice without council permission while it is facing a shock $4.863m budget black hole, when it had expected a $560,000 surplus.
The council said it had not been provided any with any information related to claims made by ASU members regarding psychosocial workplace hazards and are not aware of the preparation of a report related to these claims.
“It is highly unusual for the CEO or relevant council officers, not to be informed of a report of this nature and extremely disappointing that we haven’t been notified of the alleged claims,” the council said in a statement.
“This also means council had no opportunity to consider or investigate any allegations or engage with the appropriate agencies, prior to inquiry by the media.”
The union said it was “an important reminder to all South Australian councils and employers that they have a duty to provide a safe workplace free of bullying and intimidation”.
Originally published as Union lodges SafeWork SA complaint against Adelaide Hills Council over alleged workplace bullying, intimidation
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