Australia: Legal Action by Amelia Saw Reveals Toxic Workplace Environment and Employee Mistreatment at Channel Seven
September 6, 2024 - Australia, Sydney
Amelia Saw has initiated legal action against Seven's Spotlight program, citing a hostile work environment, alleging a breach of protections and a toxic work environment for women, encompassing extensive working hours, bullying, and discrimination during her tenure at Seven.
The legal proceedings, focusing on violations of the Fair Work Act, do not involve allegations of sexual harassment. A mediation session between Saw and Seven is scheduled for November, with Seven required to respond by October 18, 2024. Despite the allegations, Seven denies any wrongdoing.
CEO Jeff Howard has acknowledged past issues as the company investigates senior staff reporter Robert Ovadia, who faced misconduct accusations from 13 women at the network. Ovadia, who sued Seven over his termination, withdrew his legal case on September 5, 2024.
Allegations of bullying, sexism, assault, and exploitation have engulfed Seven, resulting in staff members being hospitalized, unable to work, and attempting suicide. One disturbing incident involved a young woman journalist who was so distressed by her treatment that she ran in front of a car outside a Seven office.
Several former on-air and off-air staff members who have experienced sexual harassment and bullying have been compelled to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), silencing their ability to share their stories. Another journalist detailed working 10 to 12-hour days, seven days a week, with a male colleague exhausting the production budget on partying, leaving her to cover expenses out of pocket. She was left struggling financially while waiting for reimbursement from Seven and was pressured by superiors to continue working from home. The toll of the situation pushed her to the brink of suicide, prompting her to seek professional help to protect her child as a single parent.
Women Press Freedom stands firmly behind Amelia Saw and all the mistreated journalists at Channel Seven. We demand accountability for those responsible for these abuses and justice for the victims.
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