Some of Martinborough’s community clearly didn’t get the memo that local District Council staff were wearing Pink Shirt Day regalia on May 19 – literally showing their stand against bullying and intimidation.
The result? A load of anti-Pink Shirt Day abuse and intimidation for their efforts.
“Sadly, a number of our staff have been subject to nasty comments or abusive behaviour,” they reported to “The Martinborough Star” in a memo.
“It’s not really fair to the receptionists, our librarians, planners, staff rescuing a wandering animal or investigating a noise complaint, contractors fixing a road or leak – or any of our team,” the group noted. There was also abuse from keyboard warriors on social media.
While criticism is expected and healthy debate encouraged, less than respectful comments about the hard work they do “can be demoralising at best and corrosive over time,” they added.
Said SWDC General Manager, Communications and Engagement, Shiel Priest: “Officials are just doing their job. Yet they get abused, It’s beyond mean. It’s quite mean and cruel.”
“We also get a lot of lovely, lovely people to deal with. Most of the time it’s a positive experience,” she added.
Paul Gardner, the Council’s Interim Chief Executive, says the Council has a zero tolerance policy for bullying behaviour.
“Under our obligations as a good employer, it’s important that our workplace is a healthy place for our staff both physically and psychologically,” he said.
“Our organisational values and culture also demonstrate our obligation towards a truly inclusive workplace.”
Mayor Martin Connelly said it was appreciated that there had been changes of late in how members of the community had been engaging with Council officers, which indicated the Council was on a positive pathway to the future.
Criticism is expected, healthy debate is encouraged, but less than respectful comments about the hard work officials do can be demoralising at best and corrosive over time.
“We have channels where people can complain about services – the ‘get it sorted’ portal on our website is one – and our elected representatives are always keen for community feedback,” says Priest.
“Those feedback channels are an essential part of democracy. What we hope is that people
don’t forget the Council has a human face. We are you.”
