9:00am - 5:00pm

Our Opening Hours: Monday - Friday

647-872-3484

Call Us For Consultation

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Search
 

Reprisal in Employment Law in Ontario Law

Oracle Legal Services > Blog  > Reprisal in Employment Law in Ontario Law

Reprisal in Employment Law in Ontario Law

Reprisal In Employment Law In Ontario Law Toronto

As an employer, it’s important to be aware of the laws that govern your actions toward employees. One such law is the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), which prohibits reprisals against employees who have exercised their rights under the code. Oracle Legal Services is a Paralegal Firm in Toronto, and our team is here today to give you more information on this topic. 

Reprisal is defined as any action taken by an employer or supervisor that penalizes an employee for exercising their rights under the OHRC. This can include termination, demotion, suspension, or any other form of punishment. 

The OHRC protects employees from reprisal when they make a complaint about discrimination or harassment participate in an investigation into such complaints or refuse to engage in discriminatory practices. It also protects employees who seek accommodation for disabilities or religious beliefs. 

Employers must take steps to ensure that their policies and practices do not violate the OHRC. They should provide training to all employees on their rights and responsibilities under the code, and establish clear procedures for handling complaints of discrimination or harassment. 

What is a Reprisal? 

Reprisal is a form of retaliation or punishment that occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee who has exercised their rights under the law. This could include actions such as termination, demotion, harassment, or other forms of discrimination. 

Under Ontario law, employees have certain protections against reprisal if they engage in activities such as:

  • Filing a complaint about workplace harassment or discrimination 
  • Participating in an investigation into alleged harassment or discrimination 
  • Refusing to participate in illegal or unsafe work practices 
  • Asserting their rights under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) or other legislation 

If an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in any of these protected activities, it may be considered a reprisal and could result in legal consequences. 

Employers should take proactive steps to prevent reprisals from occurring in the first place. This includes providing training to managers and supervisors on their obligations under the ESA, implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the law, and creating a culture where employees feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of retaliation.
 

How We Can Help 

In conclusion, employers must be aware of the reprisal provisions of the ESA and take all necessary steps to prevent it. If an employee believes they have been subjected to a reprisal, they can call Oracle Legal Services a professional corporation that is ready to remedy these matters with a knowledgeable paralegal that has been practicing for over a decade. 

If you feel like you’ve been retaliated against at work, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Toronto Paralegal Services. Our team can connect you with a skilled paralegal who has years of experience in handling these types of situations. Give our team a call today at 647-872-3484 to book a consultation.