Are you experiencing workplace harassment and bullying? Harassment cases are not to be taken lightly. We are experienced employment lawyers and workplace harassment lawyers at Monkhouse Law in Toronto, and your rights deserve protection. You deserve to work in a non-hostile work environment.
Unwanted behaviours can range from offensive remarks to violence and can be with anyone you come into contact with at work. This could be your boss, a co-worker or a client.
Employers have specific duties with respect to workplace harassment and workplace violence policies under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Bill 168, Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace) 2009.
Harassment at work may also be a matter that falls under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Note that Canada’s Criminal Code deals with matters such as violent acts, sexual assault, threats and behaviours such as stalking. The police should be contacted immediately if this is occurring.
Workplace Harassment Includes:
– Bullying and intimidation
– Racist and culturally offensive remarks
– Unwelcome sexual remarks
– Jokes that cause ridicule or are offensive
– Offensive pictures or documents
– Staring, following, stalking
– Unwanted telephone calls, emails, text messages
– Any other action or activity that belittles or embarrasses an employee
You Have a Right To Refuse Work
Harassment at work causes mental and physical health problems and can lead to staff absences. Ultimately, it creates a toxic workplace, creating a situation for possible constructive dismissal or wrongful dismissal. There is no reason for any employer to stand by and do nothing about it.
The real power for an employee is the right to refuse work when they feel there is an unsafe situation. Harassment and bullying count as an unsafe situation. Workers have a right to refuse work under the Occupational Health and Safety Act under section 43 when they believe that workplace violence is likely to endanger them. An employee is not required to “work now and complain later” but is allowed to cease work and leave the unsafe area immediately without being punished in such a circumstance. If you feel you are in a situation like this, please contact a Workplace Harassment Lawyers at Monkhouse Law immediately.
You may also feel you are forced to quit your job due to harassment. Sometimes quitting can be the right solution, but it is important to do it in the right way in order to protect your legal rights. Read more on how to do this: How to Write a Resignation Letter Due To Harassment.
How Workplace Harassment Lawyers Can Help You
If you are an employee who believes that you might be working in an environment that is unsafe it is important to fully know how the law applies to your particular situation. For this, you should make sure to consult an employment lawyer at Monkhouse Law who is experienced in workplace harassment cases.
If a workplace harassment or discrimination issue led to constructive dismissal, you may be entitled to an award of human rights damages or punitive damages. If your compensation has been slashed or the work environment has become unbearable, it is important to contact an employment lawyer. You will need someone in your corner to advise you on the best next steps.
If you believe that you have been harassed at work, contact us today. It is imperative that you consult an employment lawyer and workplace harassment lawyer as soon as possible to help you protect your rights.