Human Rights for Employees

Workplace Human Rights: Protecting Your Right to Fair Treatment

Every employee deserves a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment. In Ontario, human rights laws protect you from being mistreated based on factors like age, gender, disability, race, religion, family status, or sexual orientation. If you’ve faced discrimination, wrongful termination, workplace harassment, or a failure to accommodate your needs, you have the right to take action.

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At our firm, we help employees stand up for their rights and hold employers accountable when they violate workplace human rights laws. Whether you've been denied a promotion due to age, fired after maternity leave, or refused disability accommodations, we’re here to help.

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What is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats you unfairly based on protected grounds such as:

• Age

• Race, ethnicity, or nationality

• Gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation

• Pregnancy or family status

• Physical or mental disability

• Religion or creed

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Discrimination can take many forms, including:

• Unfair hiring or promotion practices – Being passed over for a job or promotion due to age, gender, or other protected characteristics.

• Wrongful termination – Being fired or laid off because of pregnancy, disability, or other personal factors.

• Failure to accommodate – Employers refusing reasonable disability accommodations, flexible work schedules, or ergonomic adjustments.

• Workplace harassment – Facing verbal abuse, offensive jokes, or unwanted advances that make your work environment toxic.

• Retaliation for speaking up – Being demoted, disciplined, or terminated after filing a human rights complaint.

• Employers are legally required to provide a discrimination-free workplace and to accommodate disabilities and personal circumstances to the point of undue hardship. If they fail to do so, you have legal options.

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Workplace Accommodations: Your Right to Equal Opportunity

If you have a disability or specific needs, your employer must provide reasonable accommodations to help you perform your job effectively. These may include:

• Flexible work hours for medical appointments or caregiving responsibilities

• Modified job duties for physical or mental health needs

• Remote work options for mobility or health concerns

• Ergonomic equipment such as specialized chairs, keyboards, or desks

• Accessible facilities like ramps and elevators

 

If your employer refuses to discuss or provide these accommodations, a human rights lawyer can help ensure your legal rights are protected.

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What to Do If You Experience Workplace Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, taking action quickly is key:

• Document everything – Keep records of emails, performance reviews, and any incidents of unfair treatment.

• Raise the issue internally – If possible, speak with HR or your employer about the issue.

• Consult a human rights lawyer – We can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.

• File a complaint – If necessary, we can help you file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal or pursue legal action against your employer.

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How We Can Help

• Expert Legal Advice – We help you understand your rights and the strength of your case.

• Filing a Human Rights Complaint – Our lawyers handle all legal paperwork and represent you in front of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.

• Negotiation & Mediation – We work to resolve disputes before they escalate, securing compensation or reinstatement where possible.

• Litigation & Court Representation – If needed, we are prepared to fight for you in court to ensure justice is served.

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Take Action Today

No one should feel unsafe, undervalued, or discriminated against at work. If your employer has violated your human rights, we’re here to fight for you. You may be entitled to financial compensation, reinstatement, or policy changes in your workplace.