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The representative from the First Nations Workers Alliance and Mununjali woman faced frequent incidents of racism from both customers and colleagues nearly every day.
She mentioned that when she and other Aboriginal employees voiced their concerns about racial discrimination from coworkers, the response was limited to mediation instead of any disciplinary action.
Ms. Weigel, who worked as a flight attendant for 13 years, eventually decided to leave her position due to the persistent racism she encountered. Credit: SCM Jeans/Getty Images
The findings were released in a report by the ACTU’s Centre for Health and Safety, which was presented at the Healthy Work Conference hosted by the peak body in Adelaide on Friday.
“When we talk about statistics, we forget about the humanity behind the numbers . . . discrimination and harassment are widespread,” said the Kaurna woman.
“Racism is incredibly complex, there are systemic reasons for these results but when we unpack what racism actually is we’re talking about anything from a small microaggression right through to the systems and policies we have in place, right through to the reporting,” she said.
We haven’t had a conversation about racism at work in this country and it is well overdue.
“By strengthening our legislation and regulations that will actually empower the unions to be able to support workers and hold employers accountable because they have obligation by the act, or by the regulations to actually enforce positive change and safer work practices.”
