As an employee in Edmonton, you should feel safe, respected, and valued at your place of work. However, if you feel you are being treated unfairly or unkindly, you may be experiencing workplace discrimination. Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly based on protected characteristics, such as:
- Race
- Gender
- Age
- Disability
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Marital or family status
- Source of income
- And other traits
When discrimination takes place, it can either be direct or subtle. Regardless of the type of discrimination you experience, it can have a serious effect on your well-being and workplace productivity. The Alberta Human Rights Act provides protection for employees who are experiencing workplace discrimination by prescribing equal treatment and opportunities. Understanding what you’re entitled to under the Act can help you protect your rights and address discrimination when it arises.
At Verhaeghe Law, our employment and labour lawyers are dedicated to advocating for employees across Edmonton and Alberta. If you’re experiencing workplace discrimination, we can help you take legal action to reach a meaningful solution. To discuss your options, schedule a consultation today.
Employee Rights in Alberta
In Edmonton, employee rights are protected by the Alberta Human Rights Act. This act prohibits any form of discrimination based on the intrinsic characteristics an employee may hold, as mentioned above. While workplace discrimination can sometimes be hard to recognize, some common examples include:
- Hiring discrimination
- Unequal pay based on sex, gender, or race
- Denial of promotions or job opportunities due to a protected characteristic
- Harassment or violence related to a protected characteristic
- Termination based on age, pregnancy, or disability
- And more
Under the Human Rights Act, specific responsibilities that employers must adhere to are also outlined. These include:
- Ensuring the workplace is discrimination-free
- Implementing fair policies in hiring, training, promotions, and terminations
- Providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities or religious needs
- And more
What to Do If You’re Facing Workplace Discrimination in Alberta
If you have been subject to any form of discrimination in the workplace, it is important to know that you have legal rights under the Alberta Human Rights Act. There are several steps you can take to address discrimination with your employer, the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC), and your lawyer when it happens. You may consider:
- Documenting Incidents: If you are planning to report the discrimination you have experienced, it is important that you keep detailed records of any incidents. You should note dates, times, locations, and individuals involved. If there is physical evidence, save emails, messages, or communications that can support your claim.
- Reviewing Your Employers Policy: Your company will have outlined its anti-discrimination policies in your employee handbook, onboarding materials, or other database. Read through this policy to understand which provisions apply to your case, and how internal procedures work when you want to file a complaint.
- Reporting Discrimination Internally: If you would like to file a complaint with your employer, create an official report following company procedure. This might entail reporting the discrimination to HR, your manager, or a specified representative. If the internal complaint procedure does not resolve your issue, you may need to consider alternative measures.
- Filing a Complaint With the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC): The AHRC can help guide you through the process of filing a formal complaint and provide support in the meantime. It is important to note that formal complaints to the AHRC must be filed within 1 year of the incident or discrimination occurring.
- Exploring Your Legal Options: In addition to AHRC complaints, you are entitled to additional avenues for recourse. With the help of an employment lawyer, you may be able to negotiate a settlement or severance with your employer. You may want to undertake mediation or dispute resolution in these cases to reach an agreement. For severe cases of misconduct, such as wrongful dismissal or harassment, you may be entitled to take formal legal action against your company.
Regardless of the way you decide to address the workplace discrimination you have experienced, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced employment and labour lawyer. This is especially true if the treatment you have received is ongoing or severe. They will be able to help you identify your rights that have been violated, file formal complaints, or take legal action, when necessary.
Dealing With Workplace Discrimination in Alberta? Speak With Our Edmonton Labour & Employment Lawyers Today
Nobody should have to deal with discrimination at their place of work. Although the Alberta Human Rights Act provides protections for employees, it can still be hard to address discrimination when it occurs. By taking the right legal steps, you can safeguard your well-being and your job.
At Verhaeghe Law, our Edmonton labour and employment lawyers have years of experience handling employee discrimination cases for our clients. Whether you need help negotiating a settlement internally, filing an AHRC complaint, or taking legal action against your company, we have the knowledge to back you up. Schedule a consultation with our team today to discuss your legal options.