News

25 Feb 2019, Australia - UNI Apro Commerce launched its guideline on Workplace Harassment and Violence against Retail Professionals during the UNI Apro Commerce Committee Meeting held at the Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association's office in Sydney, New South Wales.

The main aim of this guide is to raise awareness that violence, threats and abuse against retail professionals is unacceptable behaviour. Workers need to gain the confidence to speak out and report abuses and not accept it as part of “normal” job scope. The guide hopefully provides an entry point and platform for our union affiliates to initiate conversations with employers and governments to build a strategic alliance for a guideline to be put into workplaces and spread the message that violence, harassment and abuse is not part of the job.

During its launch, Christopher Ng, Regional Secretary UNI Apro, thanked UA ZENSEN Japan and SDA Australia for sharing with us their experiences and resources in the development of this guide. UNI Apro hope their examples can inform and inspire the affiliates in the retail sector to develop their strategic response to tackle harassment and violence at the workplace. UNI Apro also hope that affiliates can use this guide in their dialogues with management to foster better partnerships to create healthier and safer working conditions for retail professionals, and a more conducive environment for their customers.

A simple signing ceremony was held to signify its launch by Stuart Appelbaum, President UNI Global Commerce, Gerard Dwyer, President UNI Apro Commerce, Shoichi Hachino, Vice President UNI Global Commerce, and Christopher Ng, Regional Secretary UNI Apro. The ceremony was witnessed by UNI Apro Commerce Committee members and colleagues from UNI Global Commerce.