Discrimination

WHAT IS DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE?

Discrimination happens when you are treated less favourably than others because of a personal attribute about you rather than your ability to do the job.
---  4 Examples of Workplace Discrimination (mdclegal.com.au)

It is unlawful to discriminate against someone due to their protected attributes:

o Race, colour, national extraction or social origin

o Sex, gender identity or sexual orientation

o Age

o Physical, intellectual, mental or psychiatric disability

o Pregnancy or potential pregnancy

o Marital status, relationship status and family or carer’s responsibilities

o Religion

o Political opinion

o Trade union activity

 

 

Examples of discrimination occurring in the workplace

o Being dismissed or having shifts cut down

o Denial of training opportunities, transfers and promotions

o Not being paid the same as someone doing the same job with the same experience and qualifications

o Exclusion or isolation by co-workers

o Being given impossible tasks

 

 

My own experience

About one year ago, I did a part-time job in a toy store. 

I am not strong enough to carry heavy items in a fast pace, but I can finish my tasks on time. 

That means my workload is the same as other employees, and it makes no difference on clients’ experience in the toy store. 

However, I found out my co-workers earn more than I despite having the same experience and working just as hard. 

I felt so sad and angry, and decided to have a talk with my manager. 

I asked her to treat me equally. 

Unfortunately, I was refused and I left that store.

If you were faced with this situation again, I will make a complaint to Australia Human Right Commission. 

The manager discriminates me in the way of not paying the same salary as someone doing the same job with the same experience and qualifications.