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Fresh claims of bullying culture at Parliament

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Sun, 21 Apr 2019, 4:42PM
Shane Te Pou has personally witnessed some of the toxic behaviour at Parliament. (Photo / File)

Fresh claims of bullying culture at Parliament

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Sun, 21 Apr 2019, 4:42PM

Parliament's work environment has been described as "very unique".

Stuff reports that 35 back office staffers at the Beehive have left over interactions with senior management.

The report claims that multiple people have signed non-disclosure agreements and agreed to pay-outs 

Former Labour Party member and union official Shane Te Pou has worked in Parliament. He told the Weekend Collective that there is a lot of conflict between the different parties. 

"You're employed by one employer but you're in conflict with half your workmates as you may work for Labour and they work for National and you have to one up them."

He says that there is also conflict amongst the party, as staffers try and push the agenda of their MP or Minister.

Te Pou says that it is a very "insular" environment that exists amongst those offices, and he wants to see something done about it. 

"The Speaker who has ultimate responsibility needs to get on top of it."

He has personally witnessed Ministers and MPs being toxic and unpleasant towards staffers and people who work beneath them, such as drivers. 

 

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