Workplace discrimination is deplorable and illegal. Sadly, discrimination still happens more often than we'd like to think. If you feel you've been discriminated against, there are certain steps you should take ASAP.

Seek an Internal Solution

Your first course of action should always be to express your concerns openly. Talk to your boss about the problem. It could be that an honest mistake was made, or that the issue simply hadn't been considered. Be sure to bring your human resources representative in on all meetings, and get written documentation of all discussions.

If matters remain unresolved by conversation, address the trouble to a higher level within the corporate structure. At this point, it's political to give your company every chance to rectify the situation themselves.

Petition the Government

When organizations fail to fix their own affairs, turn to the government to relieve your grievances. Legally, it's your only option. You can't take your employer to court before completing all prior administrative procedures.

First, file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, or the Canadian Human Rights Commission for federally regulated firms, laying out your charges against your employer. Upon reviewing your application, the HRTO (or CHRC) determines the validity of your claim. If approved, the agency will put your employer on notice that a complaint has been submitted. Initially, a policy of voluntary mediation is preferred where possible, and to this end, the presiding agency may act as a mediator between your employer and you.

Like any government bureaucracy, the wheels turn slowly and individual program technicians are not all reliable. You may find that this is the best time to involve an attorney to deal properly with official paperwork, keep your case from languishing in the system and prepare for any potentially necessary future action.

Court, Your Last Resort

When negotiations break down and it's clear that a settlement can't be reached, you and your employer will be required to solve your dispute in a formal HRTO hearing. This is where Toronto employment lawyers can really shine. It's their business to assemble cases like yours and make them legally airtight. There will be even more papers, most of them with hard deadlines, for a lawyer to manage, plus you'll need help personally navigating the conventions of the hearing process.

If you believe you've suffered discrimination at your job, don't wait! Swift action can end these prejudicial practices permanently for all people.