‘DOG’S ABUSE’ CLAIM

A COUNCIL cleaner alleges he was bullied by a member of a rival workers’ union for nearly two years and wants $350,000 for his suffering. In a claim lodged in the Southport District Court Paul John Foote claims he had a car driven at him, received threatening notes and abuse, and was called a dog.

A GOLD Coast City Council cleaner claims he was bullied by a member of a rival workers union for nearly two years and wants $350,000 for his suffering, court documents allege.

Paul John Foote claims he had a car driven at him, received threatening notes and abuse, and was called a dog by an Australian Workers Union delegate.

In a claim lodged in the Southport District Court, Mr Foote also alleges the council knew about the bullying and did not stop it despite numerous complaints.

Mr Foote said he struggled with post traumatic stress disorder, major depression and anxiety and was unable to work at one council depot, where some of the abuse allegedly took place.

The 57-year-old, still employed by council, wants $350,000 for the “constant threatening and abusive conduct”.

Mr Foote alleges he was sweeping in Coolangatta in early 2013 when a car drove towards him, swerving at the last minute. The driver gave him the finger. He reported the incident to police.

Two months later, Mr Foote alleged he was cleaning the Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club toilet block when he found a piece of paper in a cubicle. “Watch your back (expletive),” the paper allegedly read.

Mr Foote called his supervisor who found notes in other cubicles.

It is alleged the AWU delegate targeted Mr Foote in a Coolangatta park in front of colleagues, saying: “Don’t sit next to that dog, you might catch fleas.”

Mr Foote expressed his concern to his manager, said he was upset and was sent home for the day. The council allegedly did not contact Mr Foote about his complaint.

He also accused the AWU delegate of threatening him at the council’s Miami depot, allegedly telling him: “I am going to (expletive) punch your lights out when I next see you at the (pub’s name withheld).”

A council spokeswoman declined to comment while the case was before the courts.

“The City of Gold Coast is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment and under its Code of Conduct for Employees, does not tolerate violent and/or aggressive behaviour towards its workers from other staff members,” she said. The council is yet to file a defence.