Culture of bullying, harassment rife at air traffic agency
A damning report into Airservices Australia has found major cultural problems among staff, including sexism, bullying and sexual harassment, with employees indecently exposing themselves and touching colleagues without consent.
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A culture of sexism, sexual harassment and bullying has been exposed at a government organisation responsible for Australia’s air traffic control.
A damning report into Airservices Australia found major cultural problems among its staff, including employees indecently exposing themselves, touching and kissing colleagues without consent and sharing pornographic images.
The inquiry lifted the lid on a concerning pattern of behaviour in the federal agency that operates air traffic, aviation rescue and firefighting and air navigation services.
Staff listed a range of issues that made them uncomfortable at work, including unwelcome touching, hugging, cornering or kissing and inappropriate staring or leering.
Some employees said they were given sexually explicit pictures, posters or gifts, while others were subjected to sexually suggestive comments, intrusive questions about their private lives and comments about their appearance.
“Urgent action is required to address the very low levels of reporting, particularly in relation to sexual harassment,” report author, former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, said.
“The levels of bullying, in particular, as well as sexual harassment are unacceptable.”
The report was based on feedback from staff in focus groups, one-on-one interviews and an online survey.
More than 2100 Airservices Australia employees completed the online survey — about 58 per cent of the workforce.
Half said they had been bullied at work and 20 per cent had experienced some form of sexual harassment.
The review described a “totally toxic” environment, with one respondent likening the workplace to “Lord of the Flies or Animal Farm”.
“The culture is just pretty much toe the line, don’t question anything, don’t have a different idea about something, don’t stick your neck out and you will be OK,” another said.
“It’s a very ingrained male-dominated culture — there is not always merit in positions and promotions.”
Others took aim at management, suggesting those in charge had “zero people skills”.
“Most senior managers develop through the system of Airservices and get promoted due to good technical skills, not good people skills,” one employee said.
“This cycle needs to be broken as each generation of managers repeats the poor behaviour.”
Ms Broderick concluded the cultural challenges were not unique to Airservices Australia but it would require strong, inclusive and courageous leadership to fix them.
Airservices Australia chief executive Jason Harfield said the organisation would focus on addressing the concerns.
“We are strongly committed to fostering a culture that is diverse, inclusive and respectful,” he said.
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