SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
Poor workplace cultures significantly deter women from entering the manufacturing industry. In Victoria, employers have a positive duty to proactively prevent and address gendered violence, including sexual harassment. By taking simple steps, manufacturing companies can create safe, supportive environments for all workers, especially women. Various supports are available to help companies achieve this.
Manufacturing Women’s Future Conference November 2024
VTHC Safe and Respectful Workplaces Training
Trauma-Informed Leadership in Manufacturing (TILM) Training - Express Interest
Case Study - Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions partnered with the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union to enhance workplace culture and retain women workers. They developed a gender equality action plan through consultations with workers, management, and experts. One key focus was educating all employees, from the shop floor to the office. As a result, VTHC delivered 'Safe and Respectful Workplaces Training' to over 120 workers at Laverton and Derrimut. The training had a significant impact, with 79% gaining a better understanding of gendered violence and 87% improving their knowledge of how to support colleagues experiencing it.
Meet Sharon and Beby from Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions
Case Study - Viva Energy
Viva Energy, a leader in this space, had already implemented Respect@Viva training for all workers but recognized the need to focus on mid-level management education. Partnering with the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and expert consultants, they developed training for supervisors and union representatives, offering trauma-informed guidance on addressing work-related gendered violence, including sexual harassment. This training is now available to manufacturing companies, with the recommendation that the VTHC 'Safe and Respectful Workplaces' training be completed first as a prerequisite.