Pros
the Children, their families and a few of the Staff
Cons
After induction 2 years ago, I was swiftly bullied by an Assistant Director, I almost made a formal complaint, as it involved Direct and Indirect Bullying but as I was new to the organisation I didn't want to lose my job, so I stopped working at that Centre. The bullying took place in front of many witnesses (other staff). I then starting working for a different centre, one I thought was a wonderful, supportive place to work and do further studies in. After a year there I was mistreated by another casual but fortunately she eventually left. 8 months ago however, another Casual started, she pushed and bossed her way through, severely bullying me in the process. I tried to speak to the co-worker but it fell on deaf ears. I then spoke to the new Director (who started only 6 months ago), advising her of the bullying and that I had been trying for 2 years to attain permanent work there and of my Diploma studies and my apparent eligibility for permanent work. (I was advised by the organisation that I was eligible) She said to try and speak again to the co-worker about the bullying and offered no feedback on how to attain a permanent position. My State Trainer advised me to email my Director, outlaying all my Qualifications, 15 years Employment in Children's Services, Personal Statement, and details of my approved application of RPL towards Diploma (Director said she would have a face-to-face discussion with me about the email but it never eventuated) After the discussion with the Director, she also started bullying me! I now had 2 associates bullying me!. For more than 2 years I expressed my desire for permanent work in the Kindergarten Room and applied a few times for employment there. It always seemed to fall on deaf ears. I approached the People and Culture Department, Fair Work Commission, Working Women's Centre, etc. etc. about the bullying. It quickly became clear that I would be singled out and made the scapegoat. The attitude from the organisation was negative and defensive. There would be a series of interviews with me, the 2 associates and any witnesses (there were many) I felt outnumbered and extremely stressed at having to fight the system single-handedly, I had serious stress-related illnesses and decided to leave the Centre, feeling defeated and with low self-esteem.
