The AMWU has launched their Women’s Voices from the Floor report — stories that make it clear that the mining, manufacturing and automotive industries must do better. The report articulates the experiences of women in trades and technology where they continue to face systemic barriers that affect their entry, retention, and career progression, with the goal to use those experiences to build a practical framework for safer, fairer workplaces.
Research shows that toxic workplace cultures are pushing talented workers out of those high-paying jobs, with nearly 80% of women in the industry facing bias and harassment. Management often looks the other way when issues are reported, but harassment and bullying are health and safety hazards and must be treated as seriously as any other hazard in the workplace.
The Women’s Voices from the Floor report examines the barriers to entry and retention, the bias and discrimination, reporting culture and workplace conditions. Aligning the evidence gathered, along with what women want to see change, the report looks at what existing legislation can be leveraged to engage employers in breaking down barriers to women in industry, and makes recommendations in six broad domains:
- Leadership and Accountability: Hold leaders accountable to KPIs on culture and equality.
- Workforce Participation and Retention: Track women’s entry, progression, and provide structured pathways.
- Inclusive Workplace Culture: Enforce policies, ensure adequate facilities, and support peer networks.
- Psychosocial Safety: Treat harassment, bullying, and exclusion as the health and safety hazards that they are.
- Reporting and Support: Provide safe, confidential, independent reporting channels, including anonymous and independent channels.
- Monitoring and Transparency: Audit, publish, and benchmark progress over time, both internally and externally where required.
The report then uses the recommendations as the framework for an Action Plan to enable employers to self-assess, identify gaps, and build a roadmap for reform.
Alongside the Action Plan, the AMWU has developed a Workplace Culture and Equality Toolkit to provide practical resources to implement change, including:
- Targeted training packages (Positive Duty, Respect@Work, Leading Respect, Family and Domestic Violence training).
- Toolbox talk templates for refresher discussions on behaviour and bystander action.
- Posters, flyers, translated resources, and short videos to spark workplace conversations.
Employers can also access training through VTHC’s Victorian Labour College which offers approved Occupational Health and Safety courses and training in Bystander Action, Safe and Respectful Workplaces, Positive Duty, Women’s Rights at Work, and Family and Domestic Violence: A Workplace Issue.
Read the report here: Women's Voices From the Floor Report