Dealing with things at work is challenging enough, but when it comes to facing discrimination and harassment, that is an entirely different issue. It is confusing for most people on what to do when faced with this conflict. Moreover, since it is against the law, it can be overwhelming to most.
This is why discussing this with a licensed expert, such as a Calgary employment lawyer, will help you deal with the situation. They are able to impart their knowledge and explain to you the best possible options you should do as your next steps. You won’t have to feel alone as they will guide you through the process of filing for a human rights complaint, especially if you are unfamiliar with the procedure.
Understanding When Workplace Treatment Crosses the Line
In Alberta, the Human Rights Act protects employees from discrimination based on certain characteristics. These include things like race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and family status.
There are various situations where discrimination may happen, some more noticeable than others. Being pregnant at the workplace can be used against you and have the company deny you a promotion, despite it not being related to your work performance. In other cases, it is more subtle. You may notice being excluded from important meetings, or not receiving any chances for uptraining, or outright being treated differently from other colleagues.
A Calgary employment lawyer will be able to review your situation from an unprejudiced perspective and explain that it falls under human rights protections. Knowing such crucial information will help you get a better idea of how to move forward.
What a Lawyer Actually Does for You
Filing for complaints or any kind of paperwork is never as easy as it seems, even if, in theory, it is as simple as writing down responses on paper. In addition to chronologically writing the timeline of events, there are legal terms that may be difficult for you to understand. Moreover, the biggest challenge you may face is the impact on your emotions. It can be a profoundly negative experience that can be difficult to handle if you are dealing with it alone.
A lawyer can:
- Listen to your experience without judgment
- Explain your rights in clear, simple terms
- Help you decide whether to file a complaint
- Handle communication with your employer or the Alberta Human Rights Commission
- Represent you during mediation or hearings if needed
Some of these conflicts do have a chance to get resolved before they reach the final stage, which is a formal hearing. A negotiation or mediation is often a way to resolve simpler complaints. However, some escalations cannot be simply resolved through a private discussion. This is why having someone who is experienced and licensed to process these situations will help make it less intimidating and overwhelming for you as the victim.
Why Timing Matters
There is almost always a deadline for submitting paperwork, and it is essential to note that Alberta has a one-year deadline for filing a human rights complaint. The one-year limitation period begins from the time that the discrimination or harassment occurred.
Consult your lawyer early so they can help provide options before the deadline passes. Again, you don’t have to figure everything out right away. You just need to be prepared enough to know what steps and strategies are available to you and which one is preferable for you to take.
Taking the First Step
Going through discrimination or being treated unfairly at work is not a pleasant experience. It can reduce your motivation to visit the office, decrease productivity, cause internal conflict or insecurity, increase stress, and negatively affect your mental health. Filing for this case is not a walk in the park. But you won’t have to deal with this alone.
At JSB Law, our Calgary employment lawyers work with employees across Alberta who’ve faced workplace discrimination and other human rights concerns. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide on the best path forward for you.
Book a confidential consultation today. We’ll answer your questions, walk you through the process, and support you every step of the way.
