I returned to the workforce after being self employed as a single Mother for 18 years. What a shock! Hardly anyone knows their rights, don't even know if they have a union, what their minimal rate of pay is, or if they're entitled by law to over time payments!

Having worked in health related fields for 18yrs I studied further, to enable me employment as a Medical Secretary. Ileft my first good job after 2 yrs, to work closer to home after being wooed and enticed by a Radiology Practice, I then encountered the first of many disturbing scenarios.

I was promised training for a fairly complicated job, which if not performed correctly, had ramifications for patients. I received no training at all - in at the deep end, sink or swim from the first minute I walked in the door of a very busy practice.

I was treading water, doing well enough, for someone with zero training, then encountered the daily, regular insults for not performing the job 100%.

The Supervisor, spent most of her time, either flashing her knickers, sticking the telephone receiver up her skirt and into her crutch, (all at the front desk reception with up to 30 patients in the room) or telling anyone who would listen, that her response to demanding male doctors was, to tell them, she'd rub her pussy into their face.

Same woman, would put the wrong patient reports into the wrong envelopes, with someone else's films, then blame me, or anyone else who was handy.

After 3 weeks, she marched me into the Manager's office, (same one who promised me full training) to endure a ticking off, for making errors. Needless to say, I told them what I thought & walked out.

Into, another job, much the same, in radiology, after a few months of depression at the difficulty in finding a job at 56 yrs of age. This time, the doctor who owned and ran the practice, had a dislike of older women.

No training, in spite of telling him I had only 3 weeks experience. Same berating for making minor errors, while younger staff, who insulted patients & also made errors, were left alone.

In the 3 months I was there, four temporary secretaries, all over 45 yrs of age, walked out due to the abuse. I had just come to the end of the 3 monthly review, had the interview, where I was told, my typing skills needed improving. I pointed out, that those skills wouldn't improve, if I was not allowed to type, because I made one or two errors from time to time whilst learning new terminology.

After the interview, I was prevented from typing, hence no improved typing skills & fired, just, within the 3 month probationary period.

Furious, I decided to take it to Industrial Relations commission. The Doctor's solicitor tried to convince me before, that I didn't have a leg to stand on. I called their bluff and walked away with $2000.00.

I knew that would hurt his pocket, cause him inconvenience, and disturb his confidence that, he could abuse anyone, any time. Most importantly, I felt I had power back in my hands & hadn't left as a victim.

Don't let these idiots get away with it. Maybe my action will make this man think next time, before causing a lot of grief.

But there does seem to be now in the work place, an in at the deep end approach, everyone walking on egg shells, afraid to complain, afraid to ask for over time payment, no support to fellow workers, a group mentality of shunning anyone in trouble. It all leads to more power and control of employees.