Case history #2
When we transferred to the office in September 2000 I was seated where the supervisor could see my computer screen, and my partner was seated where the typist could see his computer screen. There were other seats vacant, but the acting assistant supervisor allowed us to choose between only these two. The typist would regularly stop typing to listen to my conversations, especially those that involved my partner.
Within a short time one staff member told me how much she hated working there. She has since left to do the same work in another state. Another staff member (who subsequently transferred to another centre), told my partner and I that the typist and her closest friend in the office had made morning teas unbearable for her.
On 15 January 2001 I reported to the supervisor that the typist had discrepancies on her timesheet for two consecutive days whilst the supervisor was absent. On 16 January 2001 I was summonsed by the typist to a meeting where the supervisor was waiting. The typist read notes from a piece of paper. I was given no prior notice of the meeting, nor was I given a copy of her notes, nor was I asked if I wanted support. They had waited until my partner was out of the office. I said that I should first speak to the Business Service Administrator, but I felt obligated to continue with the meeting. I said that I shouldn't have to answer the typist's questions because my report spoke for itself. The date in question regarding the typist's flex times (13 December 2000) was not addressed in the meeting at all. The typist did not explain how my report was inaccurate or incorrect. The meeting consisted of the typist making accusations about my partner and I including `This is a payback', `He's been harassing me', `This was all the dirt you could get on me', `You think you'd be trying to fit in'. She continued abusing me until I became unable to talk. The meeting ended with the typist deciding that she would keep her flex form privately on her desk in future.
The next day the supervisor told me that things had been building up for the typist over months and that she had to get that off somehow, that "You were it", and "We're not used to working with a couple". The supervisor said, "How do you know that I hadn't given the typist permission", regarding her taking 45 minutes for lunch and writing down 30 minutes. The supervisor didn't say she had given permission, so I understood my report was correct and that she was defending the typist's misconduct. She also said, "She's worried that her phone calls will be watched." I told the supervisor that my report was not personal, but at the meeting the typist's attack was personal, with comments such as me (not) trying to fit in. My written notes of the incident include the number of times of vomiting/collapsing following the typist's verbal abuse.
Eight months later I witnessed my partner bullied in the office by the acting assistant supervisor in the typist's presence on two occasions. I was extremely distressed because I now knew what it was like to be got at, and was too afraid to interfere. This caused me to have a stress breakdown requiring two weeks sick leave.
A staff group mediation took place on 5 October 2001. The acting assistant supervisor said that staff were now divided into two groups, with my partner, myself and another member of staff in one group. I said that I wasn't able to trust the supervisor, which I apologised for the next day. The supervisor told me that staff should chose one side or another, and not try to fit in to both groups. My partner did not return to work after this mediation took place. If it had not been for one other member of staff I would not have been able to continue working in the office. She admits that she tends to support the office pariahs.
Since the mediation took place in October 2001 the typist has not spoken to me at all. She has the support of the supervisor as well as other staff. She also continues to use intimidation -slamming doors close to me, loud groaning when I have been spoken to by other staff, and muttering comments under her breath. She also faces in my direction when she is making loud personal phone calls.
In December 2001 I became involved in a court case, which I found very stressful and upsetting. I broke down crying in the office one day, being comforted by the supervisor, who told me, "I'm here for you" if needed. She begged me not to take sick leave, as the office was very busy, and staff were being trained in a new word processing system. I only took one day's sick leave. Shortly thereafter I applied for Christmas leave and was only given six days. I told the supervisor that I hadn't taken leave during the year. She said that perhaps I should have.
Three new staff were recruited in mid-2002. They have complained about mistreatment by the (now) assistant supervisor, especially being targetted for mistakes. One of them was told by the typist in my presence that she is only entitled to one flex day per month, whereas the Department's literature says they're allowed up to two days. I was recently advised that each worker in our office could only take a half flex day in one month, due to the centre being "too busy", which is what I did. I then discovered that one other member of staff was allowed two flex days in the same month. I fear repercussions if I make a complaint. I have warned the new staff about the possibility of repercussions if they raise contentious issues at staff meetings.
I have not been able to eat breakfast before attending work for many months. I feel pressure whilst in the office and have adopted hypervigilance to be able to work a seven hour day. Last year I attended staff morning tea on four occasions. I do not like to be in close proximity of the typist, as I fear that she may become violent. I make sure I am never in the office alone with the typist. Other staff fear the typist as well. I have also changed my lunch routine, so that I do not have to confront the typist in public at any time.
In 2002 I joined the workers union. Their advice was to speak out openly about the conditions in the office, however I was scared of the repercussions. I believe that the department has reporting procedures in place so that staff who raise concerns are persecuted until they are unable to continue employment.
My doctor, a counsellor, my mother and close friends have suggested that I leave work. I will continue in the office until my long service leave falls due. Once I resign I will seek counselling to undo the trauma I have experienced.
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