AWU in Trouble with Fair Work for Bullying Behaviour
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties against the Australian Workers’ Union and its Victorian secretary, Ben Davis, for allegedly threatening and coercing two union members for not taking part in a strike. The two workers were employed as a plant technician and plant operator by Orica Australia. It is alleged that the union targeted them because the workers exercised their right not to take part in protected industrial action that occurred during negotiations for a new enterprise agreement. It is alleged that following this decision by the workers, they were subject to unjustifiable disciplinary action. The FWO alleges that this disciplinary action included the “AWU informing the workers it was investigating charges of “gross misbehaviour” against them for not participating in the strike and that they could face fines and suspension or expulsion from the AWU if the charges were sustained.” It alleges that the two workers were ostracised and excluded by fellow employees who participated in the strike, and suffered hurt, humiliation and distress.
