St Vincent de Paul EBA Campaign
Vinnies National Council Calls for an End to Bullying
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 13 July, 2010
The National council of the St Vincent De Paul Society has taken control of the State Council of the Society after years of allegations of Bullying. Whilst there a few details available John Falzon is quoted as saying:
“Mr Syd Tutton, National President of the Society of St Vincent de Paul has taken the step as allowed under the statutes of the Society to place the NSW State Council under the temporary administration of the National Council.
STATE COUNCIL UNDER “ADMINISTRATION” OVER A CULTURE OF BULLYING
Mr Tutton said, "This is a regrettable but necessary measure in light of a number of problems that were not being addressed by the State Administration. The Society is a federation of State Councils and the National Council has a responsibility to ensure that all State Council administrations are fulfilling their commitments to the mission of the Society."
Mr Tutton emphasised that the action taken was not about personalities but about a changing culture to ensure the Society could fulfil its mission of support for, and solidarity with, the most marginalised members of the community.
ABC News online reports:
The charity says the move by its president is a last-ditch attempt to change a negative culture that has been developing in the state's senior administration for years.
The chief executive of the charity's national council, John Falzon, believes the incidents of bullying are the result of the state wing taking a corporate approach to management.
Mr Falzon says the culture shift has taken the board's focus off the disadvantaged people it was supposed to be helping.
"The need for a change of culture in the senior administration was nominated as one of the chief reasons for the national council needing to intervene," he said.
"In order to be true to why we exist, we need to ensure that any structures that exist are there at the service of the people and not the other way around."
Mr Falzon says employees who believe they have been victims of bullying will be given an opportunity to tell their story.”
INTERVENTION CONSISTENT WITH ASU LONG HELD CONCERNS
The intervention by the National Council is consistent with the ASU’s long held concerns about a culture of bullying and harassment.
Members will be aware of the very serious concerns that have been held by staff as a result of the new corporate approach to management in recent years. On numerous occasions the ASU has been called to represent staff who have been the subject of bullying and harassment.
In recent years the ASU has:
o Stopped the Unfair Dismissal of two staff
o Supported staff as they fought off an attempt by corporate management to impose a WorkChoices Agreement on staff
o Had to take legal action against the Society to fight for $250,000 in back pay
o Been shocked by the decision of the Society to NOT support the Equal Pay case
In recent days the ASU has been advised that the Society would be cutting pay for staff as a result of the new Modern Award – an unconscionable act.
ASU SUPPORTS STAFF AND GRASSROOTS MEMBERSHIP
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT TO BLAME
The ASU will be doing everything to support its members. We continue to support the grassroots work of our members. We support the good works of the society at the grassroots level.
“The ASU will be acting as a voice for its members at this time. I am calling on all members who wish to have their stories of bullying and harassment or unfair treatment over these recent years to come forward,” said Sally McManus, ASU Secretary.
Members have indicated that the culture of bullying that has become so entrenched in the Society can be traced by to the changed style of leadership that was introduced a few years ago – a corporate style that paid little respect to the mission and culture of the Society and its long history of compassion.
STAFF INVITED TO “TELL THEIR STORY”
The ASU is inviting members who believe that they have either been a victim of bullying, or harassment, or unfair treatment, to call the ASU office to ensure that their story is told.
Members are advised to call the Office on 02 9310 4000 and indicate that they want to place their concerns on record. The ASU will then have staff interviewed and ensure that all complaints are sent to the National Council.
Non-Members are welcome to join us and share their thoughts – We have included a membership form. We ask Union members to please distribute this Newsletter to all staff.
For more information and to share your thoughts – Please contact your Union.
