Workplace Discrimination in Ontario: Understanding the Red Flags
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), discrimination is prevalent in many workplaces in the country. Workplace discrimination can lead to a hostile work environment, wrongful termination, or demotion. State and federal laws protect employees from discrimination at work. And those who have been subjected to any form of discrimination in the workplace should turn to a lawyer for workplace problems in Ontario for legal assistance and advice. Victims of discrimination must speak with an attorney before they take action against their employer.
Signs of Workplace Discrimination
In general, workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly at work to their specific characteristics like age, disability, sex, race, and religion. Discrimination can take a lot of forms and may not happen on the job site. An employer can also have discriminatory hiring practices.
Harassment can be a form of discrimination in the workplace. An example is when someone directs harmful jokes at an employee for their sexual orientation, sex, national origin, disability, race, age, or pregnancy status. Physical or sexual harassment and persistent bullying in the workplace are a form of discrimination. Also, disparate treatment is a red flag of discrimination. This occurs when a group of employees is treated differently than another group. This includes excluding a group from promotions or certain benefits.
Discrimination in the workplace is unlawful. Victims may be able to pursue a claim against the offender under the law.
Reporting Discrimination
A victim of workplace discrimination can report their situation to the EEOC or California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. But there is still a chance that their employer will retaliate against them. Retaliation can come in the form of pay cuts, job termination, more abuse, or demotion. If you decide to pursue a discrimination claim, you should be able to provide solid evidence.
Evidence for workplace discrimination includes digital communications like emails and text messages. Sometimes, communication can disclose the intentions behind an adverse employment decision, like firing or demoting an employee. Also, direct evidence may include notes or written memos. Your attorney may also try to get testimony from witnesses to support your claim. This testimony is from colleagues who can attest to the existence of discrimination in their workplace.
A lawyer can protect and preserve this evidence as well as assist you throughout the claims process. And if you must take more action, they can file a lawsuit for you.
