OHS and mental health concerns at Hobsons Bay City Council

Numerous ASU members at Hobsons Bay have contacted the union with complaints regarding the behaviour of certain managers and consequential impacts on the health and safety of workers.

The ASU has raised these concerns with Hobsons Bay and has initiated a formal dispute. We are advised that WorkSafe Victoria is also looking into these issues.

To reach the best and safest outcome for workers at Hobsons Bay, we are encouraging members to come forward and contribute to WorkSafe’s investigation.

If any (current or former) workers wish to make a complaint, you are encouraged to call the WorkSafe Advisory line on 1800 136 089 and refer to our advice

We understand that ASU members are scared and reluctant to make formal complaints. However, we can assure you that WorkSafe is closely watching Hobsons Bay (as is the ASU). Making a formal complaint to your employer and/or WorkSafe Victoria is the best way to ensure these issues can be dealt with.

You are also protected against discrimination under section 76 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to raise or report health and safety concerns.

When speaking with WorkSafe, you should refer specifically to any relevant psychosocial hazards, including bullying, low job control, poor support, high job demands, low role clarity, poor organisational change management and/or poor organisational justice.

You can refer to WorkSafe’s psychosocial hazard definitions here.

Or refer to the ASU’s online toolkit for mentally healthy workplaces.

The ASU is by your side. Talk to a co-worker about the importance of union membership and ask them to join the ASU at https://www.asuvictas.com.au/VICTAS/Join

For more information, please contact: 

ASU organiser Sean McCourt | [email protected]