Saturday, August 13, 2022

6 Labour Relations Quick Hits

Information on your right to refuse work, social media and the workplace, reporting injuries and incidents, and more!

Right to refuse work – Employees have the right to refuse any work that is unsafe, illegal, immoral, or unethical. If you don’t know the process for refusing work, talk to a member of your Workplace Safety and Health Committee, your steward, or your representative.
Social media – Remember, what you say on social media can lead to discipline at work, if what you say can be connected to the workplace. Legally, it is not considered private. Bullying colleagues, speaking badly about your employer, photos at the beach when you called in sick, etc. are not safe.
Absenteeism – There are two kinds of absences from work: culpable (the employee’s fault) and nonculpable (not the employee’s fault). If you want your employer to know your absences are not your fault, you may have to share some information with them, like a medical note.
Accommodation – Employers have a duty to accommodate employees with injuries and disabilities, to a point. Before you ask to be accommodated, check with your representative for guidance and support.
Reporting injuries and incidents – Employees are protected by law when filling out an incident report for violence or injury at work.
Respectful workplace policy – By law, every workplace must have a policy to address harassment, bullying, and psychological safety. Further, that policy must be easily accessible to employees. If you don’t like how you’re being treated at work, read the policy to see how best to address what’s happening. If you can’t easily find the policy, ask your manager and let your representative know.

6 Labour Relations Quick Hits

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