Discrimination
To support this the law says an employer must not discriminate between employees. So if you are:
- a woman
- a person of any race or culture
- young or old
- parent or single
- an active union member
- an injured or disabled worker - you should still get a fair go at work.
That means you are entitled to:
- freedom from insults or jokes based on sex or race
- equal pay for equal work
- access to job opportunities and promotion
- fair share of overtime
- fair share of training
- support if you are injured
- support, where appropriate, so your work fits in with your family life.
Sometimes, everything at work can't be exactly equal - different skills and different job requirements may mean everyone can't be exactly the same. BUT you should never be held back just because of your race, sex, age, injury or union involvement.
The Union can help. If you are being treated unfairly, you should contact the Union. The Union can:
- Give you advice on whether you are being discriminated against;
- Explain what can be done to fix it;
- Negotiate with your employer to stop the discrimination
- Assist in counselling where other members are involved;
- Help draft a policy for your workplace;
- Help you prepare an Equal Opportunity Complaint if that is appropriate.
You are also entitled to go directly to the Equal Opportunity Commission if you prefer.
Remember you should also give others you work with a fair go. Even if people are different to you, they mostly want the same thing, to come to work and:
- be free from insults, jokes and harassment;
- get a fair wage;
- get a fair share of overtime, promotions and training.
So make sure you're not part of any discrimination. Treat others with respect, the way you would want them to treat you.
Last modified 2004-10-13 07:09 PM
