What is Family Status Discrimination
Family status discrimination is when an employer puts you to a disadvantage or withholds you from a benefit or opportunity due to your familial status. Family status in a workplace usually refers to the caregiving needs of elders and children.
Due to workplace demands increasing in Canadian society, including increased work hours, individuals find it difficult to balance their work and household obligations. Further, insufficient social support such as childcare, eldercare and disability support makes it even more challenging.
The best way to get help with your employment discrimination case is by contacting an experienced Employment lawyer.
The Ontario Human Rights Code
Clearly states that employers are not allowed to mistreat their employees on several grounds as stated below:
5(1) Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, a record of offences, marital status, family status or disability.
Therefore, a parent who has a child or an elderly in their home should not be at a disadvantage in comparison to their colleagues who don’t have similar obligations. Some areas in which employees may face mistreatment due to their family status are:
- Hiring
- Promotion
- Training
- Benefits
- Workplace conditions
- Termination of employment because of an individual’s caretaking responsibilities
Oftentimes, stereotypes associated with being a caregiver may affect an employee’s opportunities in their workplace. For example, they may be viewed as being less knowledgeable, dedicated or determined to their work.
The most common kind of stereotype is that of gender. Female employees suffer a loss of opportunity when they enter motherhood, due to preconceptions about a mother not being able to fulfil her role as an employee.
In order to create a more inclusive environment in the workplace, employers should cater to the needs of the employees. This would include making changes that would reflect on a person’s family status.
The employment lawyer can help with workplace discrimination by negotiating on your behalf and educating managers about the laws surrounding it.
Employment Rights in Canada
Employment rights in Canada are very important. First, all workers have the right to form a union if they wish and bargain collectively for better conditions with their employer without fear of discrimination or punishment; this includes temporary staff as well!
There are also laws in place to protect workers from being treated unfairly by their employers. For example, employers cannot force employees to work more than 48 hours per week, unless they agree to do so. Employees also have the right to paid vacation days and sick days, and employers must provide them with a written employment contract that outlines these rights.
If you feel that your employer has treated you unfairly, you can file a complaint with the appropriate government agency. In most cases, this will be the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry will investigate your complaint and, if they find that your employer has violated your employment rights, they can order them to take corrective action.
Remember, it is important to know your employment rights in Canada. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always speak to a lawyer who specializes in employment law.
For example, an employer could:
Allow some flexibility to their work schedules
Allow employees to take leaves of absence to care for family members who are ill or have a disability
Provide alternative work arrangements when necessary
The Ontario Human Rights Commission found that the classification of “family status” is not inclusive of different familial relationships.
If employees and employers work together, family status discrimination will be eliminated from the workplace.
If you have faced discrimination at the workplace due to your family status, our Employment lawyers at Tailor Law Professional Corporation may provide you with excellent legal advice and assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 905-366-0202, or visit our website here.