Accusing the government of inaction, public sector unions are again demanding a formal support structure for victims of workplace bullying, a demand they say has been ignored for too long.
Public sector unions are reiterating their call for the establishment of a dedicated support service for victims of workplace bullying within the civil service, citing a lack of political action on the issue.
The demand was made at a joint press conference on Tuesday by the OGBL's Public Services Union and the Education and Science Union (SEW). Union representatives criticised the government for showing little indication of taking concrete steps to address the problem, despite the long-standing nature of their demands.
The unions presented the results of two surveys conducted this summer to support their case. The SEW survey gathered 617 responses, while the Public Services Union survey received 313. Both revealed a recurring pattern: in most reported cases, the alleged psychological harassment is perpetrated by a victim's direct line manager.
In their appeal to the Minister for the Civil Service, Serge Wilmes, the unions are demanding that politicians finally act. Their key proposals include stronger legal protections for victims, targeted training for staff and managers, and awareness-raising campaigns across the civil service.
