A recent 60 Minutes episode has outlined disturbing allegations of persistent sexual harassment and assault in the WA mining industry.
The Western Mine Workers Alliance (WMWA), an alliance between the AWU and Mining and Energy Union, first raised concerns about sexual harassment
A WMWA survey found that:
– 1 in 5 women saying they had experienced physical acts of sexual assaults.
– 1 in 5 women saying they had been explicitly or implicitly offered career advancement or benefits in return for sexual favours.
– 1 in 3 women saying they had received requests for sexual favours, and repeated invitations to engage in sexual relationships.
Former WMWA member Astacia, along with three other women, spoke candidly on their stories to 60 Minutes. All four women described a horrific environment where sexual harassment and assault was regarded as part of everyday life on the worksite and camp.
