It would be nice to think that any bullying can be left behind after we grow up and leave the schoolyard, but this isn’t always the case. Unfortunately, bullying is an issue which can affect many workplaces and is something which must be dealt with swiftly and severely to prevent undue distress to any employee. Employment law is a legal area which exists to protect the rights of employees and their workers, including within situations where bullying is a problem.
What Is Covered By Employment Law?Employment law is a vast area, designed to regulate both employers and employees. It affects every area of work life, including potential bullying. Possible areas include:
- Discrimination due to age
- Discrimination due to gender, sexuality, race, or religion
- Employee grievances
- Wrongful dismissal
- Constructive dismissal
- Sexual harassment
- Exit agreements and severance packages
- Abuses of Human Rights
- Employee contracts
Workplace bullying can take many forms, and should always be dealt with. If you believe you may have a case, it’s worth speaking to an employment lawyer to ensure you have all the facts. They will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed with the case. These are just a few examples of workplace bullying:DiscriminationThe Human Rights Code guarantees that all employees are entitled to equal treatment with respect to employment, and this applies to every aspect of the working environment. This code covers not only equality of pay or job opportunities, but also refers to:
- Job applications
- Transfers
- Training
- Lay-offs
- Promotions
- Terms of apprenticeship
- Dismissal
- Overtime
- Benefits
- Holidays
- Shift work
- Performance evaluations
- Rates of pay
Violations of any of these could constitute workplace bullying, and it’s worth taking the time to contact an employment lawyer if you feel you have been a victim.
Talk to Pittsburgh employment lawyers [ employment-labor-law.com ] and see how well you are protected with knowledge of law. It helps to know that someone is legally experienced to help you through it.
Wrongful DismissalWrongful or constructive dismissal may also be evidence of workplace bullying. This occurs when an employee’s contract is terminated for any reason other than just cause,’ or when they are constructively dismissed. Constructive dismissal occurs when a significant element of the contract is changed without the employee’s consent, such as material salary reduction. If wrongful dismissal occurs, the employer may encourage you to sign an exit agreement or accept a severance package. These usually offer the wages and any outstanding benefits owed, with specific rules and requirements attached. These include classes which prohibit the employee from entering into competition or contacting company clients, and even a period of rest before the employer may return to working in the industry. It is imperative to seek the advice of an employment lawyer before agreeing to any such terms; signing there and then can cost you dearly. You are entitled to ask legal advice before signing and may find out that you could gain compensation and financial benefit for loss of earnings over months or even years. If you are concerned about bullying in the workplace, feel you are being discriminated against, or have been wrongfully dismissed, an employment lawyer can help you to determine whether you have a case.
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