Human Rights In The Workplace

Toronto Employment Lawyers Advising Employees on Human Rights in the Workplace 

Employers have a responsibility to proactively ensure their workplace is free from discrimination and harassment, and that all employees are provided with equal opportunity. Employers must also respond to any allegations of human rights violations that may arise promptly and effectively.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against or feel otherwise mistreated in the workplace based on protected grounds, you may have grounds to file a discrimination claim against your employer or prospective employer (if you are a job candidate). Before you take any action, it is critical to obtain legal advice from a knowledgeable employment lawyer in order to fully understand your rights and the options available to you.

At Sultan Lawyers in Toronto, we regularly advise employees on human rights and discrimination matters. We fight for our client’s fundamental rights and interests at work and are driven to provide exceptional legal representation where it matters most.

Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination takes place where someone is treated differently than others due to a protected personal characteristic. Discrimination can be blatant, such as not hiring someone because of their race, or firing someone because of their sexual orientation, or it can be less obvious, such as not hiring an older job candidate because of the assumption that they are unfamiliar with new technology.

Employers are liable for their own actions, as well as those of other employees, and even third parties coming into the workplace, such as clients or customers. This means an employer can be held responsible:

• Where one employee discriminates against another (even where the employer was not aware or did not condone that employee’s actions);
• For the actions of employees outside of the workplace, or outside of regular working hours (including online);
• For the actions of third parties coming into the workplace.

Protected Grounds 

Both the Ontario Human Rights Code (for provincially regulated employers, which is most employers in the province) and the Canadian Human Rights Act (for federally regulated employers, such as banks, radio and television, telecommunications, and airlines, among others) provide similar protections to employees.

Employees and prospective employees cannot be discriminated against based on:

• Race
• Ancestry
• Place of origin
• Colour
• Ethnic origin
• Citizenship
• Creed
• Sex (including pregnancy)
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Gender expression
• Age
• Record of offences
• Marital status
• Family status
• Disability

If it is established that you have been discriminated against in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic losses suffered as a result (such as lost wages) as well as any mental suffering or injury to your dignity.

If You Think Your Human Rights Were Violated at Work, Contact Sultan Lawyers 

If you believe you have been discriminated against, or your rights have otherwise been violated at work, contact the employment lawyers at Sultan Lawyers in Toronto to ensure your rights are protected and to have a knowledgeable professional on your side. We will help guide you through the process of filing a claim and will fight for rights. Contact us online or at 416-214-5111 for a consultation.