Bullying in the transport and communications sector

Bullying and harassment is a major problem in the transport and communications sector. Forty two per cent of safety reps in the 2012 TUC safety reps survey report bullying or harassment as the most frequently reported hazard, second only to stress (63%). The LRD booklet, Social media, monitoring and surveillance at work (2012) www.lrdpublications.org.uk/publications.php?pub=BK&iss=1604 contains many reports from reps of increased electronic surveillance in this sector — in particular the use of CCTV and vehicle tracking devices to monitor and control workers: “It feels as if we are being watched continually from the minute we set foot on the premises” (Unite rep). The booklet also contains examples of successful negotiation by unions, in particular the Communication Workers Union to address this issue.