Press Releases and Announcements - 28 July 2010
Air traffic controllers seek damages for sex discrimination and severe workplace bullying
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers is today lodging Federal Court action
on behalf of two women air traffic controllers (ATCs) who have
allegedly endured years of horrific workplace discrimination, abuse
and bullying at Air Services Australia (Airservices).
The firm is acting for mother-of-three Jacki Macdonald who now
cannot work because of the sex discrimination and bullying she
endured at Airservices, and Kirsty Fletcher, mother-of-two who has
worked first as a Target Generation Officer and then after
undertaking training, as an ATC. Ms Macdonald worked at Airservices
for 18 years and Ms Fletcher for 13 years.
Josh Bornstein, Maurice Blackburn principal said the women loved
their jobs, but had faced extreme sex discrimination and bullying
over a period of five years.
"I have seen many bullying cases over the years and what these
women have described is absolutely extraordinary. The campaign of
bullying and discrimination included being refused access to
training and professional development, being abused and belittled
for being pregnant, being told that part-time employment was not
welcome, the spreading of false allegations, being exposed to
pornography distributed by management and ultimately, when my
clients buckled from this conduct, they were both disciplined,"
said Mr Bornstein.
"One of my clients advised that she was unfit to work and
went home, after which she collapsed and was hospitalised. The next
day she was given a first and final warning.
"Australia may have its first female Prime Minister but the
attitudes and behaviour of managers at Airservices is light years
away from what a workplace should be in the 21st
century."
This is a workplace that is deeply hostile to women,
particularly pregnant women and mothers.
"For this to be happening in an air traffic control environment
beggars belief."
Maurice Blackburn is seeking damages for current and future loss
earnings and for the loss of chosen career for both women and the
claim is expected to be over $1 million for each employee.
Airservices is the only employer of ATCs in Australia.
"Airservices needs radical reform to tackle the unhealthy work
culture that has been allowed to continue unchecked over a long
period of time," said Mr Bornstein.
Airservices has not responded to a letter of demand sent on
behalf of Jacki Macdonald.
It is a government-owned company and a monopoly provider of all
air traffic management in Australia.
Media inquiries:
Amanda Tattam at Maurice Blackburn
T 0413 997 467
E atattam@mauriceblackburn.com.au