Mississauga employment lawyer helps protect employees from discrimination and harassment
A healthy workplace benefits both the employee and the business. Employees work best and attain their highest abilities in a safe and protected environment. However, not all workplaces are free from harassment or discrimination and it is important for employees to understand their employment rights and legal protections. Gary Bennett of GAB Law Firm in Mississauga has helped countless employees and businesses who are experiencing discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
What is workplace harassment?
Workplace harassment can generally be described as improper and unwanted conduct directed to an employee. It can include acts, comments, or other displays that demean, belittle, or cause a person to feel embarrassed and humiliated. It includes, but is not limited to, harassment of employees protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Workplace harassment can occur in the office, on travel, at training activities, or at employer-sponsored social activities.
In most cases, harassment involves several actions over time but it can also arise from one severe incident. Harassment complaints must be made within 12 months of the last act to receive protection under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Examples of harassment include:
- Yelling, threatening, or interrupting an individual to prevent him from expressing himself
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Making rude or degrading remarks
What is discrimination?
Discrimination occurs when an employee, or group of employees, is treated differently or negatively because of their gender, ethnicity, colour, religion, age, disability, gender, medical condition, or other protected classes. Discrimination can occur in several ways, including:
- Recruiting and hiring employees
- Salary, benefits, and other terms of employment
- Determining which employees are promoted, transferred, or dismissed
- Disciplinary action
Both employers and employees have responsibilities to protect themselves and others from discrimination. Businesses must set the tone for a discrimination-free work environment with proper policies. Employees are expected to refrain from inappropriate behavior and report incidents.
For more information about harassment or discrimination, call GAB Law Firm at (365) 800-2090.
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