Australia’s air traffic control service is potentially putting lives at risk due to a toxic work culture, a critical report says.
The report cites a culture of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment at Airservices Australia.
Those were the findings from a report by former Federal judge Anthony North which was commissioned by legal firm Maurice Blackburn, which represents the ATC union Civil Air.
"There is a serious argument to be further investigated that the Airservices Australia workplace culture of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment could endanger the safety of air navigation," it said.
Part of the report came from responses to a YouGov survey of more than 500 employees.
The union is urging the government to launch a comprehensive investigation into its workplace culture.
There were frequent ‘inappropriate and sexist comments’ and threats of retribution for any workers who report instances of wrongdoing, the report said.
Airservices Australia refuted the claims, even though it acknowledged there were some concerns over management in staff surveys.
It said air travel safety is not being compromised.
"Airservices’ safety performance is demonstrably among the best in the world and always improving. There is no factual basis for these false and alarmist claims," it said.
The agency has announced a separate independent review of workplace culture.
