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An investigation launched after a Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) employee died in an alleged suicide found no evidence to support the allegations of serious or sustained harassment.
However, a broader review of the company culture found “disturbing reports” of “bullying and assault,” and 87 percent of those interviewed cited concerns about harassment.
Others expressed concern about a culture of “casual sexism, racism and homophobia.”
Katrina Hey, 50, worked as a container controller at LPC for seven years before dying of an alleged suicide on December 25, 2019.
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According to the report, her daughter, Kassandra Hey, said that workplace bullying “caused or contributed” to her mother’s death.
Two separate investigations were launched: one by Christchurch attorney Amy Keir into allegations of bullying in connection with Katrina Hey, and another by Maria Dew QC, which looked at LPC’s work culture.
Although there were two incidents of “unreasonable behavior” in 2013 and 2017, Keir found no evidence to support the bullying claims, as determined by WorkSafe.
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Katrina Hey died on Christmas Day last year. Her family says her death was related to her experiences at work.
“Katrina was very isolated at work for a long period,” Keir said.
“This was part of their design and part as a result of the workplace arrangements.”
Hey worked in a “high demand environment” and was “socially isolated” as she only worked night shifts, Keir said.
Dew’s review was conducted between July and November and covered a three-year period from 2017 to 2020.
97 current and former employees were interviewed. One person said there was an underlying “stream of casual sexism, racism and homophobia”, while another said they were “so devastated” by the bullying that they had to leave.
Of the women interviewed, 42 percent reported sexist behavior at LPC, while 31 percent of the men had witnessed sexist behavior toward their female colleagues.
There was a report of sexual harassment experienced by an employee.
Alden Williams / Stuff
Kassandra Hey with her partner Nathan Whelan. She is heartbroken over her mother’s death and has promised to do justice.
Of non-European workers interviewed, 90 per cent said racism was a problem at LPC.
The racist behavior was directed at Maori, Pasifika and Asian staff, and two former employees said they had been “kicked out” due to racism.
Several participants also disclosed matters alleging “possible serious misconduct.”
A 23-page report published Wednesday found:
- Lack of diversity in LPC.
- Afraid to speak
- Offensive behavior was normal.
- Barriers between “them and us”.
- Lack of progression and professional training.
“The lack of gender and ethical diversity in the LPC workforce is likely at the heart of significant pockets of poor culture at LPC,” the report said.
Dew identified five areas for improvement and made 32 recommendations.
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Roger Gray, CEO of Lyttelton Port, says the results of the investigation are sobering.
These included:
- Holding a regular “anti-bullying” event at LPC.
- Updating of the guidelines on bullying and harassment to “help and improve confidence in reporting.”
- Review the recruitment and selection process to eliminate “prejudice and unfair favoritism.”
LPC CEO Roger Gray said the findings were “sobering” and provided “a clear direction for change.”
“Our business is full of good people who do hard work to support our local community and economy.
“We need to focus on making sure they are doing well and that this is a place where they feel respected and valued,” he said.
The research found good leadership communication in LPC, support from teammates, and staff who enjoyed the varied nature of work.
Hey’s family has been contacted for comment.
