Sep 23 - GSD Says Bullying Case “Must Not Be Swept Under Carpet”
Elliott Phillips, the GSD’s employment spokesman, has said that “despite hollow assurances” by the Chief Minister months ago that the findings of the investigation into the allegations of bullying made by 35 trainees would be available by mid-May 2015 the public is none the wiser as to its outcome.
A statement from Mr Phillips continues: “We understand that serious allegations of bullying particularly within the public service, need to be determined in a framework that is fair, safe and with sensitivity but also in a manner that is timely.
“It has been two years since these allegations were made and six months since the Chief Minister said that the investigation had concluded.
“There is huge public interest in this case on a number of levels.
“Firstly, this the first test of the Government’s resolve to deal with bullying at work after they introduced with great fanfare legislation on the issue at the beginning of 2014.
“Secondly, the person against whom the allegations are made is a well-known GSLP activist who was exploited mercilessly by the GSLP-Liberals in Opposition to criticize the Dr Giraldi Home both in Gibraltar and Spain.
“Thirdly, it was the Government that placed Ms Hernandez in a supervisory role at the ETB when they were elected. It is their judgment that might also come under scrutiny.
“Above all, the 35 people making those complaints deserve to have their allegations determined in a thorough and timeous way. Otherwise, other complainants will just not come forward and any bullying at work will not be eradicated.
“What is also worrying is that Ms Hernandez herself in public statements made after the Chief Minister said that the investigation had concluded, said she had not been interviewed by anyone in respect of the allegations. That raises huge concerns about the quality and transparency of the investigation.
“The Government cannot sweep this matter under carpet.”
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