Sometimes it’s what is not said that can constitute discrimination. Everyone considers repeatedly calling someone a “fat slut” as discrimination on the basis of weight, or calling someone “a black dog” discrimination on the basis of race.
But consider this: if all the other employees in the company receive new uniforms and you don’t because you are overweight, is that discrimination? If a Jewish employee is allowed to take time off for Hanukkah, but a Muslim employee is not allowed to take time off for Ramadan, is that discrimination? If an employer allows employees to go off to the pub on a Friday afternoon, but doesn’t allow you to attend mosque, is that discrimination? If you are Indian and your employer makes a comment about the smell of your Indian food, but makes no comment to any other employer about their food, is that discrimination? The answer to all these questions is YES. Just because your employer doesn’t verbally say anything discriminatory, doesn’t mean they aren’t discriminating against you in some way.
Many employees are treated differently or less favourbly not becaue not what was said but by the Employers actions. Another example, you come back from injury and the boss won”t speak to you, gives you the worst job, or won”t give you anymore overtime. You do have industrial relations and discrimination rights, don’t put up with it.
If you feel you have been unfairly treated in the workplace or you have been a victim of workplace discrimination contact our team today.
