New job and subject to Racism :(

SpudGirl · ‎30-05-2017

Hey there first post thought I would share as I feel I can't say anything at work yet due to having a 3 month probation period.

Very disappointed in myself when I got asked to fill in a conflict of interest form for working a second job and then the manager said and don't forget to put your Aboriginal community activities on there. What the ... so I did the form as I felt pressured and who wants to disappoint a new boss/workplace. I stated that" I coach sport teams, run water for sports, cooking, planting trees, first aid trainer for sports on weekends with the family"

I don't do any work within my job that works with any Aboriginal communities or Aboriginal people. I feel I have let myself down and my people. I look at the activities and are they any different to what other people do ? Do they have to do a conflict form ? A Chinese guy in my office didn't do a form he does things in his community and didn't do a form but heard the conversation and was horrified, so was the Australian guy that volunteers at the CFA and he has never done a form and apologised for the behavior of the manager ..

It's Reconciliation Week and racism still exists ...

Chris_B · ‎30-05-2017

Hi SpudGirl, welcome to the forums.

It sounds like you've got some real questions about your employer, and feel you've been pressured into disclosing some personal information without a clear idea of why it's needed. After talking to your colleagues, you're worried that you've been singled out for discriminatory treatment.

I have a couple of suggestions:

1. Have a look at the Respond to racism page on our website, there are state-by-state contacts available for you to get in touch with if you need any clarity around your rights at work and what action you might be able to take. It's difficult for us to give specific advice here without knowing more about your situation.

2. Get in touch with the Blackfulla Revolution page on Facebook. You can submit your story via their Inbox, and ask to have it posted out to their community of 140,000+ readers for feedback.

Please keep us updated here as to how things go. It sounds like you have some supportive colleagues around you, and this is a safe place to discuss any issues around the workplace, racism, discrimination and impacts on mental health, all anonymously.