Australian mining company Rio Tinto's latest progress report, written by former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, has revealed a rise in complaints of sexual assault and bullying, as reported by the Financial Times. This is despite the company's efforts to improve workplace culture.
Eight employees reported experiencing actual or attempted sexual assault or rape in the past year, up from five in 2022. Reports of sexual harassment decreased slightly, with 7% of respondents reporting incidents, while bullying complaints increased from 31% to 39%. The report links this increase, particularly against women, to backlash against Rio Tinto's diversity and inclusion initiatives. "Increasing retaliation in the form of gendered bullying [occurred] as a response to Rio's efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion," it reads.
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