What are Some Examples of Human Rights Violations in the Workplace?
Human rights violations. What comes to mind for you? For many, it’s easy to picture dramatic events from the headlines—stories of war crimes, political oppression, or systemic abuses that violate international humanitarian law in far-off countries. But here’s the reality: human rights violations often hit much closer to home, even in workplaces we consider safe and professional.
They can occur in your workplace. Yes, even in Canada, a country renowned for its progressive human rights protections, violations of human dignity can—and do—occur in everyday professional settings.
Here, we’ll explore what a human rights violation in the workplace looks like, the impact they can have, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Understanding Workplace Human Rights
Many associate human rights with lofty ideals found in international agreements like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but they are also practical protections that affect your daily life. In Canada, these rights are designed to ensure that hard-working individuals–like you– are treated with respect and afforded equal opportunities at work, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, creed (i.e. religion), disability, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.
Frameworks like the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act explicitly prohibit discrimination and harassment on protected grounds such as age, race, disability, or gender identity. They also impose a duty on employers to accommodate needs related to disabilities or religious practices, as long as doing so does not cause undue hardship. Despite these strong legal safeguards, human rights violations in the workplace remain a troubling reality.
Common Workplace Human Rights Violations
What do human rights violations in the workplace actually look like? Here’s what they often look like in practice:
1. Discrimination
When it comes to human rights and discrimination, violations can be subtle or overt. Maybe you’ve experienced—or heard of—someone being passed over for a promotion because of their gender or denied a job due to their ethnic origin. These actions are not just unfair—they’re a breach of human rights.
For instance, it is well known that some employers avoid hiring women who might start a family to avoid dealing with maternity leave. In some workplaces, religious accommodations, like wearing a hijab, are dismissed as “not professional.” These scenarios reflect systemic issues that harm individuals and perpetuate inequality.
2. Harassment and Bullying
Sexual harassment, harassment and bullying can include many different forms of conduct. Offensive jokes about your gender identity, being subjected to sexual comments, or facing intimidation from colleagues or management are just the tip of the iceberg. If the actions of colleagues, supervisors or upper management create a hostile or unsafe work environment for you, it is in your interest to consult with experienced employment lawyers.
3. Failure to Accommodate
Canadian employers have a duty to accommodate employees with disabilities, religious needs, or family responsibilities. Ignoring requests for flexible work schedules for medical appointments, denying assistive devices, or refusing cultural or religious observances could be violations of this obligation.
If you have been told that your wheelchair ramp installation request “isn’t feasible” or that you must work on a day sacred to your faith because “that’s the policy”, your employer might be running afoul of your human rights protections.
4. Retaliation for Reporting Issues
Finally, retaliation is a form of workplace punishment that targets individuals who report violations or stand up for their rights. For example, an employee who files a complaint about racial discrimination may suddenly find themselves demoted or dismissed. Such acts are illegal, yet they happen because employers think they can intimidate victims into silence.
Addressing Human Rights Violations in the Workplace
Now that we’ve identified what violations look like, let’s talk about what you can do if you face one. Remember: you don’t have to handle this alone.
Steps for Employees
- Document Everything
Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, times, and what was said or done. This can be critical evidence if you decide to pursue legal action. - Report Internally
Use your company’s internal complaint mechanisms—speak to HR or follow the workplace’s grievance procedures. This creates a formal record of your attempt to resolve the issue. - Seek Legal Advice
If internal measures fail or you face retaliation, it’s time to consult an experienced employment lawyer.
How Whitten & Lublin Can Help You Stand Up for Your Rights
Human rights in the workplace aren’t legal jargon—employers have a duty to respect human rights in all their dealings with you. Yet, the reality is that these abuses often happen in subtle ways, leaving victims feeling powerless. But you have options. Whether it’s standing up to discrimination, reporting harassment, or seeking accommodations, know that help is available.
If you want to learn more about your rights and responsibilities in the workplace, such as your duty to mitigate following an alleged wrongful dismissal or the potential course of action at your disposal if you feel that your human rights have been violated, we’re here to help you take back control.
A better tomorrow starts with knowing your rights and taking action today. Call 647-951-0342 or contact us online to request a consultation.