Just what is discrimination and what when can it go too far within the workplace? Discrimination at work is a big topic and one that many employers are well aware of. By law they are required to show anti- discrimination posters/ pamphlets in a ‘prominent’ location. Discrimination at work occurs every day and it is up to both employers and employees to lower the chances of it happening in their workplace.

Discrimination typically falls under one of three categories- racial (direct or indirect), sexual and victimization. Let’s take a closer look:

Racial discrimination is the biggest of the three and even though there are laws against it, it still happens frequently. An instance can be deemed directly racially discriminating if the person in question is being treated less then other people in similar circumstances. Racial comments and racial harassing also falls under this direct definition. Indirect racial discrimination deals mostly with rules that are discriminatory by nature. For instance, if a Jewish man is at a workplace that doesn’t allow headgear they can be deemed indirectly discriminated against because their religion requires headgear to be worn during certain parts of the year.

Sexual discrimination is the second biggest type of workplace discrimination and it deals mostly with vulgar language and inappropriate behaviors. If a woman or a man has to deal with constant sexual comments or inappropriate touching or rubbing they are deemed sexually discriminated against and they can file charges. Also falling under this category are those employers who either don’t hire or don’t treat woman the same as men, such as giving promotions or accepting applications. An employer has to treat men and women both in all aspects in the workplace.

Victimization happens quite a bit as well. Victimization constitutes as discrimination at work under the Race Relations Act. This happens when an individual is treated lesser because they have supported someone who complained about racial discrimination. For instance, if a co-worker complained about being racially discriminated against and their co-worker sticks up for them and therefore suffers victimization.

Workplace discrimination should be reported immediately and the longer it goes on the worse the situation tends to be. Individuals should learn their rights when it comes to discrimination so that they don’t have to suffer any longer. It’s advised to ask someone within the union or workplace that you trust to tell you the rules or to give you the proper materials.

Sometimes workplace discrimination is pretty obvious while other times it is much more subtle. Either way, if all individuals know their specific rights regarding the issue they will be able to fight it properly.

Here are a few 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