GMB BULLYING
front of others or in private
Because bullying is so rife, you might
join – fast – so that you have access to
■ Blocking promotion
think it’s ‘normal’ behaviour. It’s not. It’s a
expert advice and legal help.
■ Constantly criticising competent Keep a diary to make sure you have
staff, and downgrading their
relic of the Victorian era and belongs in a
a written record of what happened and
responsibilities museum, not on the shopfl oor when, because you need to establish a
■ Deliberately shutting employees pattern of events over time.
out of work activities recommend the following steps: Tell your manager or supervisor
■ Setting up a worker to fail – by Speak to the bully, because a direct – and if they are the ones at fault,
giving too much to do in too short approach is usually the best. Say that don’t be afraid to go over their heads
a time you fi nd their behaviour unacceptable, and tell their manager. Take your diary
■ Consistently undermining your and ask them to stop. Sometimes this with you as back up. The more people
professional or personal standing is the best way because bullies don’t who know, the harder it is for bullies
■ Regularly making the same worker like being confronted by their victims. to fl ourish.
the butt of jokes But stay calm and polite. Finally, you can make a formal
Most bullying goes behind closed complaint and take your case through
You might think that because it’s so doors, so talk to a friend or workmate the workplace grievance procedure.
rife, this is just ‘normal’ behaviour to fi nd out if it’s just you. If there are Always have your evidence to hand,
in industry, commerce or the public more, you shouldn’t try to cope on and always take a union rep or friend
services. It’s not. It’s a relic of the your own. with you to meetings as a witness.
Victorian era and belongs in a As a GMB member, you can This may seem a daunting process
museum, not in a modern-day offi ce talk confi dentially to your GMB but it’s not. If you honestly believe that
or on the shopfl oor. Workplace Organiser who will advise you have been bullied, don’t be afraid
on the best course of action. This could to speak out. And it’s vital to stay self-
Taking positive action be informal, or taken through the proper confi dent throughout.
So, what should you do if you feel procedure with a formal complaint.
you are being singled out for unfair If you’re reading this but you’re not Health, safety and welfare
treatment? Health and safety experts a member of the union, my advice is to Remember, bullying isn’t just bad – it’s
www.gmb.org.uk 17
INS02.nat_bully 17 16/7/08 12:46:34 pm
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