HR policies and procedures are designed to protect both employees and employers. However, when those policies are ignored or improperly applied, it can lead to unfair treatment, confusion and even legal disputes.
That is where the team at JSB Employment Lawyers in Calgary steps in, offering you the legal representation and advice you need to address these challenges effectively.
Below, we discuss how our skilled team can help you through HR policies and procedures when facing workplace harassment or discrimination.
Workplace Harassment: Protect Your Rights
Workplace harassment involves unwelcome behaviour or actions directed towards an employee that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. It can be verbal, physical or psychological and can come from colleagues, supervisors or customers.
If you’re experiencing workplace harassment, report it to your HR department or supervisor immediately.
If continued harassment makes your workplace unbearable, our employment lawyers in Calgary can explain your options. Whether you’re filing a complaint or pursuing legal action, we’ll guide you through the process to protect your rights.
Workplace Discrimination: Know Your Legal Protections
If you’re being treated unfairly because of your race, gender, age, religion or any other protected characteristic, it’s considered discrimination. It can take many forms, from being passed over for a promotion to being mistreated in day-to-day operations.
Discrimination doesn’t have to be blatant to be harmful. Subtle biases can affect your career progression, whether being excluded from training opportunities or being judged more harshly than your peers.
Our employment lawyers in Calgary are skilled at identifying and proving workplace discrimination. We can help you take the necessary steps to ensure that your rights are respected, whether through negotiation with your employer or by taking legal action.
Employees vs. Independent Contractors
Many workers face the issue of being misclassified as independent contractors when they’re actually employees. This misclassification can deprive you of crucial benefits like vacation pay, overtime and severance.
Several factors distinguish an employee from an independent contractor, including the level of control your employer has over your work, whether they provide the tools you use, and whether you bear any financial risk. If you’ve been misclassified, you may be entitled to compensation, including severance pay, if your employment is terminated.
JSB Employment Lawyers in Calgary can assess your situation and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to as an employee.
Maternity Leave: Ensure Fair Treatment
Maternity leave in Alberta is protected under the Employment Standards Code, allowing employees to take up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave. However, discrimination against pregnant employees still happens.
Signs of discrimination can include exclusion from opportunities, sudden performance issues that weren’t present before your pregnancy or being singled out for termination during restructuring. Even subtle forms of discrimination can be harmful and illegal.
JSB Employment Lawyers will fight against any unjust treatment related to your maternity leave. We’ll work to ensure that your rights are upheld and, if necessary, pursue legal action to get you the compensation you deserve.
Overtime Pay: Get What You’re Owed
In Alberta, non-unionized employees are entitled to overtime pay when they work more than 44 hours a week or 8 hours a day. That applies to both salaried and hourly employees. However, many employees don’t receive the overtime pay they’re entitled to due to confusion over their rights or employers refusing to pay.
If you’ve worked overtime but haven’t been paid, you may be eligible to claim unpaid wages and severance if your employment ends. Our employment lawyers in Calgary can help you understand your rights to overtime pay and work with you to recover any unpaid wages.
Rely on the Team at JSB Employment Lawyers
JSB Employment Lawyers is proud to offer specialized services in employment law, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome.
Our employment lawyers in Calgary have a proven track record of success. Trust us to handle your case with professionalism and dedication.
Call 403-620-5400 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.