It’s a sad but true fact that discrimination is a common occurrence experienced by many. Whether because of race, gender, disabilities or sexuality, people within marginalized groups often face discrimination on both a personal and professional level. It’s hardly unusual for women to be discriminated against in their place of work, being seen as unqualified for certain positions or being offered less compensation than their male coworkers. We have also seen discrimination take place based on religion, sexuality, mental and physical disabilities, age, race, you name it.
Workplace discrimination takes place at all levels, from the low level staff all the way up to the company CEO. Chances are you’re not going to call out your CEO for his or her discriminatory behaviour, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference where you work. Here are some simple things you can do to stand up against discrimination in your workplace.
- Promote conversation
Healthy conversation is most often the key to eliminating stigma. When people don’t understand something, they tend to believe the first thing they hear or develop beliefs based on how they feel. By promoting conversation around mental illness, for example, it helps both you and your peers see the issue more clearly, and helps to remove the stigma overtime.
- Seek help
If you witness discrimination taking place on some level, don’t hesitate to ask someone for advice on how you should move forward. Talk to a colleague, a supervisor, or get in touch with us if you’re a teamsters 987 member. Not unionized? Find out how you can unionize your workplace.
- Challenge your colleagues
This can be a tough one, but don’t be afraid to stand up to your colleagues if you hear them saying something you feel is inappropriate or offensive.
- Speak up
If you are experiencing discrimination in your workplace, have questions about workplace discrimination, or want to know how you can better protect your workplace by unionizing, contact us.
Discrimination is among the many things that need to change in workplaces. We, Teamsters 987 are your family, and we not only want to ensure that your workplace is a fair, safe and positive environment, but we also want to help you stand up for your fellow brothers and sisters. Let’s work together to promote dignity and respect for all people, both in and out of the workplace.
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