WRC makes no recommendation for swimming teacher in bullying dispute

The WRC made no recommendation in favour of a swimming teacher who raised a bullying and harassment dispute. The recommendation was dated 25 September 2023. The teacher said a manager’s conduct, including an incident involving a cold swimming pool, contributed to work-related stress. He also raised concerns about the handling of a parent’s complaint and a proposed additional teacher. The employer did not attend the hearing. The officer found the teacher had been told about the employer’s investigation procedures and handbook, but did not follow up his verbal grievances or engage further after leaving the workplace. As the internal procedures had not been exhausted, the officer said she could not intervene and found the dispute without merit.