The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has launched a campaign to stop workplace bullying at Mission Foods in Epping, Victoria.

Workers from neighbouring worksites covered by the AMWU gathered in the pouring rain on October 4 to demonstrate in solidarity with the workers at Mission Foods. The workplace has an enterprise agreement negotiated by the AMWU, which has a membership of around 50 percent of the workforce.

The demonstration heard from organiser Chris Spindler, who told those gathered that the union had been battling workplace bullying and harassment for over 15 years at the site. Spindler has recently taken on organising the food division of the AMWU. He is seeking to energise and activate its base and strengthen its organisation.

A widespread problem

Workplace bullying and harassment are endemic from office-based workplaces to most industrial and manufacturing environments, but it appears to be particularly bad at Mission Foods – a manufacturer of flat breads and chips. With the support of the AMWU, three workers have lodged claims with the Fair Work Commission. This has yet to change the attitude of the company. One worker won’t be coming back to work.

Several workers have resigned and actively looked for jobs elsewhere. Any worker who speaks up about bullying has experienced retaliation, with unfavourable work practices employed against them. Some workers are also discouraged from supporting the claims of their workmates, and there is inconsistency in how workers are treated.

Overtime is being used manipulatively, withheld, or awarded at the whim of the line managers. On the other hand, some feel unable to refuse to work overtime, leading to high levels of stress and fatigue.

Workplace bullying is a challenging problem to resolve. Its victims often have their self-esteem eroded and are disempowered from taking action. They often feel too ashamed to talk about it. Mission Foods employs a diverse workforce with varying backgrounds, skills, and experiences. Managers take advantage of the divisions and interpersonal conflicts that arise from the workplace environment – favouring some while demeaning others.

Mission Foods has taken a combative approach to its workforce and not listened to the concerns of the AMWU.

Industrial workplaces often involve demanding physical and mental tasks, strict deadlines, and high-performance expectations. The pressure and stress of these conditions can lead to conflicts, as employees may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or frustrated. In workplaces where bullying and harassment are problems, safety standards are often disregarded. That is why a unionised workplace is so crucial.

The AMWU wishes to establish clear and effective anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies to define unacceptable behaviour, establish reporting procedures, and outline consequences for offenders. The union will continue to advocate for the victims of Mission Foods – encouraging those who are bullied to report the incident, accompanying them to meetings with management, and ensuring their rights are protected during investigations.

It is an understatement to say there is a power imbalance in industrial relations in Australia. Industrial law offers few protections for workers against bullying and harassment. Australia is ranked as one of the worst countries globally for bullying and harassment. According to the recent World Risk Poll – a survey of 125,911 people in 121 countries – Australia and New Zealand have the highest levels of violence and bullying, with nearly one in two (47.9%) people experiencing some form of workplace harassment in their lifetime. According to the poll, Australia has the highest recorded rates of psychological, physical, and sexual violence in the workplace.

An activist orientation

The AMWU is taking a proactive approach against bullying and harassment by taking collective action. It will launch actions at supermarkets where Mission Foods products are sold. This will not only build the confidence of their membership but also raise broader awareness of bullying and harassment. The actions will target the Mission Foods brand and potentially escalate to a boycott.

Although not large in numbers, campaigns like this can be powerful as they enable networks to be built across different workplaces where workers can share experiences and strategies to deal with their grievances.

The AMWU states: “The campaign against bullying will keep going – no worker should come to work under pressure, stressed, exhausted, targeted or go home in that way”.

Tell Mission to stop bullying: marketing@missionfoods.com.au Ph: 1800 641 529