Employees Sues Telecoms Company for Bullying

A former employee of SingTel Optus has sued the company for allegedly promoting a culture of bullying. Kerry Morrison was former sales, service and marketing head for SingTel Optus’ digital media division. 

Morrison is asking for $14.5 million in damages, which covers impact on her personal reputation and future earnings. She said she suffered from victimization, suppression and bullying. These behaviors, in turn, hindered her from performing her duties. She left SingTel Optus on Feb. 7 after just seven months on the job. 

Morrison is also seeking for a directive, ordering the reforms in the company’s corporate culture. She claimed that the company did not warn her about tensions between the consumer and the digital divisions. Austin Bryan heads digital media while Michael Smith leads the consumer division. 

Morrison said there are strong tensions between the two heads. 

Harmers Workplace Lawyers filed the claims in the NSW Federal Court in behalf of Morrison. The firm claims that aside from the bullying, the company also fired her without notice, and also tried to block her from exercising her rights in the workplace. 

Smith allegedly did not support Morrison’s programs to help increase sales, saying the boost would lead to sales decline in retail which Smith also handled. 

The claim also showed that Smith screamed at Morrison. He allegedly became so overbearing and physically aggressive that Morrison became upset and afraid. 

Optus said the claims are unjustified and vowed to defend the company. An Optus spokeswoman also declined to comment on the allegations. Smith is not available for comment because he is currently out of the country.

Tagged Austin Bryan, Kerry Morrison, Michael Smith, Optus