NO TO BULLYING AT SEA

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2020 :: RMTnews 13 R MT sent a delegation to meet shop stewards of Norweigian offshore union Industri Energi recently. RMT and Industri Energi have an agreement to work closer together and meet on a regular basis to discuss areas of concern and influence within the offshore sector. The RMT delegation included RMT regional organiser Jake Molloy, offshore branch secretary Robbie Wyness, member Scott Agnew and RMT national secretary Darren Procter. B ullying and harassment has been highlighted by a number of RMT shipping representatives as a concern at various companies over the past 12 months. When seafarers and offshore workers are subject to bullying it is often intensified due to the fact that the workplace is also their home and there is no escape. More often than not the victim will be bullied by line managers and it is difficult to report. One member told RMT News: ”working on a vessel in the deep sea sector, being away from home for months at a time and being subject to bullying, made my life a misery for months, often deep in thought and confined to my cabin outside of work for fear of bumping Into the individual who bullied me. I considered leaving the company but I would not like to give them the satisfaction of victory”. Another welcomed the RMT initiative: “within my ferry company has been a constant battle, with colleagues being victimised for raising genuine health and safety concerns and are now being made to feel like they have a target on their back”. RMT national secretary Darren Procter said that bullying and harassment over a period of time can leave members emotionally broken, contributing to increased absence from the workplace, relationships breaking down and a lasting impact on the victim’s personality in general. “Shipping companies often say the right things and have policies and procedures in place but in most cases those individuals who are supposed to be ensuring the policies and procedures in place are adhered to are often those that are bullying our members,” he said. “RMT recognises bullying and harassment as a concern within the maritime sector and is initiating a campaign so that members are aware that they don't have to suffer in silence and that this is a concern the union is placing on our national agenda and we will not tolerate bullying in the workplace,” he said. NO TO BULLYING AT SEA RMT MEETS NORWEIGIAN OFFSHORE WORKERS