Regardless of your field of activity, every worker has the right to evolve in a respectful environment and should not suffer any harassment or abuse. However, certain situations may lead to questions. Through this article, learn to identify harassment and how to report it.
1: Workplace harassment
Harassment is characterized by repeated words or gestures (aggressive, threatening) that undermine your dignity or physical and emotional integrity, making your work environment harmful. A single serious act could be considered harassment if it has lasting negative consequences (e.g., violence, threats). Your employer is obligated to take measures to prevent harassment. They must intervene if they are aware of a harassment situation. They must also establish a workplace harassment prevention policy, disseminate it, and make it accessible.
2: How to report abuse?
Remember that you have the same rights as all workers in Canada. If your employer does not respect your rights, first request a meeting to clarify the situation. This way, the problem may be resolved without having to file a complaint. If the situation does not improve, you must report it. Here are examples of situations to report:
- Someone threatens, intimidates, or mistreats you.
- Someone threatens your status in Canada.
- You are prohibited from leaving your workplace or residence.
- You are denied access to your passport or documents.
- You do not receive the salary or leave you are entitled to.
- You are doing work different from what is stated in the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and in your contract.
- You believe you are a victim of a practice prohibited by law.
- You are dismissed without sufficient cause.
To file a report, you must provide the following information:
- Name, address, phone number of the company or organization.
- Name(s) or function(s) of the person(s) involved.
- Type of abuse (with as much information as possible).
3: How to file a complaint?
- A) With Service Canada
Contact the Service Canada reporting line by calling +1 866 602-9448 (available 24/7).
- B) With CNESST
You can file a complaint online with CNESST under the labor standards law in the following cases:
- The employer does not pay the salary, overtime, or other amounts provided by law. You have 12 months to file your complaint.
- You are dismissed without cause and have accumulated 2 years of service with your employer. You have 45 days to file your complaint.
- You suffer reprisals for exercising your rights. You have 45 days to file your complaint.
- You are a victim of psychological or sexual harassment at work. You have two years to file your complaint.
Feel free to visit the CNESST website for more information: https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/fr.
