Discrimination in the workplace - to complain or not?

[Former-Member]

Here's today's update. Well my employer has clearly shown they have no interest in admitting blame or even distancing themselves from a manager who clearly has issues so my lawyer has recommended we lodge a VCAT complaint. I had hoped this could be resolved by mediation but there is just no hope when they can't even see any errors in their behaviour. I've taken it this far and I owe it to every one of us to follow it through to it's conclusion. This was never going to be fairly dealt with inside the organisation so it really needs to be decided by an independent arbitrator. The fact is I'm really not even asking for much:

• Managers to be trained in how to deal with mentally ill staff
• An apology for how I've been treated
• Costs for my lawyer and medical treatment. 

I really can't understand why they would risk public airing of this and potential damage to their reputation when I'm not asking for all that much in return. After coming close to taking my life last year I really don't have anything to lose.

[utopia]

@Former-Member. Well done. I know it's not your preferred method - but at least through VCAT - your employe will be well and truly told what is not acceptable treatment.
I think one of the main issues - is that there are no clear - step by step instructions on looking after staff with a mental illness.
Although to those of us living with MI - it seems obvious. Workplaces need instruction. The same as Workcover, TAC & Centrelink. All the information they have on staff returning to work with an injury - or who have a preexisting injury - they all relate to physical injuries.
There needs to be structures put in place that have clearer guidelines for Workplaces.
By leaving it up to workplaces to determine what is fair and reasonable - obviously isn't working.
How do we get something appropriate drawn up & passed as law - that leaves NO DOUBT as to how workplaces are expected to look after staff with an MI?

[Former-Member]

Thanks @utopia - I even told them my thoughts on how support for me in the workplace could be achieved but I was just ignored. I think straight away I was put in the too hard basket and exclusion and isolation was the best way to deal with me. Unfortunately for all concerned now it ends in a court case. Putting issues like this in the public eye does get it out in the open and hopefully it helps others who find themselves in these situations. Too often we just get forced out of our jobs or made to suffer in silence. 

[utopia]

I agree @Former-Member. It's not fair how we are treated.
I wish you all the best with VCAT.I hope your employer gets smacked over the knuckles

[Former-Member]

....and the story continues. I'm now no longer at work. My doctor has put me on sick leave as the situation has become so toxic and I know the signs when I am at risk of self harm (or worse). I've been completely isolated and excluded, I'm left in an office all day by myself with nothing to do, all my tasks have been allocated to others but nothing has been said to me and I have been excommunicated by my colleagues and superiors. I met with my lawyers to try to get some progression but they're running into brick walls as well trying to deal with these people. They must think if they ignore it then it will just go away or I'll just resign or self-terminate and problem solved. I can't believe how purely evil these people are to engage in this psychological abuse of someone they are aware is mentally ill and has been suicidal. Keeping in mind this is a private healthcare provider who love spruiking their caring culture on the outside while tormenting staff on the inside. They would get some very real damage to their reputation if this was to become public knowledge and yet they can still be so arrogant to think they can treat people like this. Thanks for reading.

[utopia]

@Former-Member ♥♥

[Kurra]

There's a tough road ahead @Former-Member Please take extra care of yourself. All the best with the VCAT case.
Hugzzz

[Former-Member]

Someone please wish me luck... got a meeting tomorrow and I am so stressed I am shaking. I fully expect their lawyers to smash me tomorrow. I know they have engaged one of these large multi-national legal firms probably at great expense and there is no doubt that the plan is to break me. I honestly can't understand how they have thrown all their support behind the bullying manager. Do they not realise that a year from now it will be the same manager, same situation just a different person being victimised? Why can't they do the right thing?

My anxiety has been off the scale... I have had next to no sleep for so long and I am so run down. Please I just want some closure but I am so driven by a sense of justice and I have taken it this far I can't give up now. This is what has kept me going all these months when I know I have done nothing to deserve this treatment and victimisation. Thanks to everyone who has given me advice, it means so much to know there are people who listen and care.

[Barney]

Hi Dugga.  You have done so well to get this far - you've already won.  Just remember to breathe ....

If it helps at all, I took my employer to court last week and won a large settlement without expecting to, so times are a-changing - take heart!  I went in with the attitude that I just wanted to have my say, and have someone listen to me.  It worked.

Best of luck, and remember that whatever the outcome, you are a hero ....

[Former-Member]

Good luck @Former-Member 🤞🙏

great effort for standing up for yourself and others regardless of the outcome. Hopefully after tomorrow you'll be the one who can sleep at night! Look after yourself above all else and be proud. 💜🤗