The FSU is marking Safe Work Australia Week by urging finance workers to dob in bullying by calling a new hotline.

“Workplace bullying is a blight on our industry, and has no place in modern finance workplaces. It is a relic of the past that should be relegated to history,” said Finance Sector Union Acting National Secretary Chris Gambian.

“In a workplace culture that promotes short term incentives based on sales volumes, where your next pay increase or even your job security is tied to how much you can sell, and where no amount of profit is ever enough, the pressure is on. Bullying managers breed in that sort of environment, and workers are starting to push back and say enough is enough,” said Mr Gambian.

“Major finance sector employers have policies in place to curb bullying, and express corporate values such as respect and fairness that are at odds with bullying, but the FSU is still regularly receiving reports from members that bullying in in the finance sector is alive and well, and our members are suffering as a result.”

The FSU investigates hundreds of bullying cases each year. So far this year the union has received 516 calls for assistance from members, and represented 298 members in formal cases.

“The culture that rewards ever increasing sales of products that customers may not even require, needs to change.”

“FSU will fight to stamp out bullying in the finance industry, and looks forward to being able to work with banks and insurance companies which are willing to do the same.” said Mr Gambian.

The hotline will be staffed by experienced industrial advisers, and workers can access information, support and assistance.

Finance workers can dob in bullying by calling 1300 721 548 on Tuesday 25th October.

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Spokesperson:   Chris Gambian  0438 898 198

Media:   Leanne Shingles  0423 821 773

More info:   http://www.fsunion.org.au/Campaigns/Be-Brave-Dob-in-Bullying.aspx