How are human rights issues resolved in the workplace?

This section addresses the many practical issues that arise when an employer is called on to resolve human rights issues using existing human rights policies and complaint resolution procedures.

What does the human rights resource centre do?

Alongside its core work providing a platform for Human Rights advocates, the Resource Centre runs several focused programme areas and regularly releases briefings and reports on areas of particular interest. Opinion pieces, interviews and blogs from across the business and human rights movement.

Do you have to do human rights due diligence?

The growing worldwide movement to legally require companies to undertake human rights due diligence. Under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights companies have a responsibility to undertake human rights due diligence.

When did the UN Human Rights Committee adopt Siracusa?

The Siracusa Principles, adopted by the UN Economic and Social Council in 1984, and UN Human Rights Committee general comments on states of emergency and freedom of movement provide authoritative guidance on government responses that restrict human rights for reasons of public health or national emergency.

Can a terminated employee file a human rights complaint?

It’s become increasingly common for terminated employees to file complaints with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (the “HRTO”). Such complaints are free to file, applicants don’t need lawyers to file them, and, if unsuccessful, applicants don’t have to worry about paying the employer’s legal fees.

Can a company avoid human rights obligations by calling you employee?

Employers cannot avoid their human rights obligations by calling you self-employed. The Code covers people who may not be considered “employees” under other laws, such as the Employment Standards Act.

Can you file a human rights claim against a union?

If you believe that the union is also discriminating against you, you can file a human rights application against the employer and the union. In some cases the Tribunal will allow parallel claims, in others it will defer the human rights application until the other matter, a grievance for instance, is complete.

Can a release bar an employee’s human rights complaint?

In exchange, she signed an agreement that released Sears from all employment-related claims, including those under the Human Rights Code (the “Code”). Sears gave Pritchard one week to consider the offer. Pritchard contacted a lawyer who requested an extension from Sears.