Major sexual harassment lawsuit highlights ongoing problem in Australian workforce - Slater and Gordon Lawyers

12 Feb 2024 2:29 PM

 

Court proceedings have commenced for the twelve women suing Perfection Fresh for alleged sexual harassment. Slater and Gordon Lawyers stand in solidarity with the women, and the United Workers Union, and believe that the suit against the Australian fresh produce giant only further highlights concerning data on workplace gendered violence.

 

Through the work of the United Workers Union, the women who were employed by a labour hire company and performed contract work for Perfection Fresh at the Two Wells Glasshouse, have been able to bring one of the biggest workplace sexual harassment and assault cases in Australia.

 

Slater and Gordon Associate in Industrial and Employment Law April Zahra, said it is the responsibility of an employer to provide a safe workplace for workers free from sexual and gender-based violence.

 

“There is no place for sexual harassment in the workplace ever. These women are working with their union and courageously coming forward to hold a powerful organisation accountable, and to make workplaces safer for all women, especially farm and seasonal workers.

 

“Unfortunately, the information this lawsuit is bringing to light is not new. Sexual harassment is not only prevalent against farm and seasonal workers, but is common in all Australian workplaces,” Ms Zahra said.

 

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in a report they released last year from the Personal Safety Survey,1.7 million Australian adults (8.7 per cent) experienced sexual harassment in 2021-22.

 

This report showed 1 in 3 workers being sexually harassed at work, which was no change from when the survey was previously conducted in 2018.

 

“Many people think that due to growing awareness, incidences of sexual harassment are diminishing. However, in the legal field we can see this is not the case.

 

“In my work, myself and my colleagues, continue to see serious sexual harassment claims, with no sign of them slowing down” Ms Zahra said.

 

This is not the first time that sexual harassment has been exposed in the horticultural industry, with claims regularly reported - often from women who are temporary migrant workers.

 

“The migrant status of the workers on these farms means that these women are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment and other forms of exploitation.

 

It is no exaggeration to say that organisations need to do more to keep their workers safe. These twelve women, through their union, have been able to speak up for vulnerable workers everywhere and we stand behind them,” Ms Zahra said.

 

Media Contact       Cassandra-Elli Yiannacou 0401 322 593

 

Contact details:

Cassandra-Elli Yiannacou

0401 322 593

[email protected]

 

 

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