What is discrimination and when can it go too far in the workplace? Discrimination at work is an important issue and one of which many employers are well aware. By law, they are required to display anti-discrimination posters / brochures in a “prominent” location. Discrimination at work happens every day and it is up to both employers and employees to reduce the chances of it occurring in your workplace.
Discrimination generally falls into one of three categories: racial (direct or indirect), sexual, and victimization. Let’s take a closer look:
Racial discrimination is the largest of the three and, although there are laws to the contrary, it still occurs frequently. An instance can be considered directly racially discriminatory if the person in question is being treated less than other people in similar circumstances. Racial comments and racial harassment are also included in this straightforward definition. Indirect racial discrimination deals primarily with standards that are discriminatory in nature. For example, if a Jewish man is in a workplace that does not allow headgear, he may be considered indirectly discriminated against because his religion requires headgear to be worn during certain times of the year.
Sex discrimination is the second largest type of discrimination in the workplace and is primarily about vulgar language and inappropriate behavior. If a woman or man has to deal with constant sexual comments or inappropriate touching or rubbing, they are considered sexually discriminated against and may press charges. Also included in this category are employers who do not hire or treat women in the same way as men, such as promoting or accepting applications. An employer must treat men and women in all aspects of the workplace.
Victimization happens quite a bit too. Victimization constitutes discrimination at work under the Race Relations Act. This happens when an individual is treated with contempt because they have supported someone who complained of racial discrimination. For example, if a co-worker complains of being racially discriminated and his co-worker defends him and therefore suffers victimization.
Discrimination in the workplace must be reported immediately and the longer it lasts, the worse the situation tends to be. People should know their rights when it comes to discrimination so they don’t have to suffer anymore. It is recommended that you ask someone within the union or workplace you trust to explain the rules or provide you with the appropriate materials.
Sometimes discrimination in the workplace is quite obvious, while other times it is much more subtle. Either way, if everyone knows their specific rights regarding the issue, they will be able to fight it properly.
These are some of the laws that protect those who are discriminated against:
* The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
* The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)
* The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
* The Disabilities Act of 1990
* The Civil Rights Act of 1991
* The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
