work in the community

*It is important to have rights in the workplace so that you can work effectively. You need to be respected, have breaks, and be paid for work.

*Rights in the workplace means I get to work in the community, I am safe, I am in a paying job and I have a respectful boss.

*I truly think that rights in the workplace means that both parties, the employer and employee, treat each other with respect and honesty,that any issue can be prevented or solved. In the situation that I have been involved in for the past 30 years, the employer and I, I believe, have been compatible and have had a very successful relationship.

*The rights in the workplace means to me I feel safe, because I know that I will be safe in the work shop. I have worked at A&P for 5 years. I also worked at the farm for 7 months. I felt respected. They are nice to me. The boss was nice to me when I used to work there. I like working there. I want to work a Burger King.

*I have worked on the farm with Ross and I am hoping to get back to the job because, I really like it. I worked outside and inside. I would prefer to work outside, although the job that I work at right now is inside. I could just feel inside my soul that I was respected on the farm.

respect

Here is what some people said about respect:

*Rights in workplace means I am safe, I can say no, and I am respected and compensated.

*I think that my rights are to be safe, to be paid a fair wage, that everyone with the same job does the same duties and to be treated with respect.

*I felt my rights were respected when I was treated like person.

*I would like respect and scheduled breaks

speak out

Here is what some people said about speaking out:

*I feel means that I can be protected against unsafe situations in the workplace/employer, that I have a right to speak for myself.

*What rights in the workplace means to me, is the right to speak out on any subject honestly with out the threat of being fired.

*I believe we have the right to get paid, say no to dangerous work, and have a break.

*Rights in the workplace means you have right to refuse to work over time hours if you want to.

*Rights in the workplace to me is freedom to express your opinions of dos and don’ts in your place of work. To know what your rights are.

inside the box

A friend sent us some more information and more links to sites about the rules, rights and responsibilities for workers with disabilities.
(All the blue words are links.)

A site for employers that includes useful information: Thinking Outside the Box (TOTB)
Some useful pages at TOTB are:

• A definition of accommodation
• What different people/groups can do to accommodate employees with disabilities

The Coalition for Persons with Disabilities has this Employment Access site which has an overview and information about work.

rights in a wheelchair

I want to know about safety in the work place and wheel chair access. What are the rules and rights that someone in a wheelchair in the workplace must be aware of and/or follow. What laws must the employer follow?

I think that the rules the employer must follow come under the Human Rights Code Duty to Accommodate rules.

The Canadian Human Rights Code section on Duty to Accommodate is HERE.
Information about the Ontario Human Rights Code section on Duty to Accommodate is HERE.
To see about a worker's responsibilities, scroll down to Responsibilities in the Accommodation Process.

You can find out more about worker's rights and responsibilities in Ontario HERE.
You can find out more about worker's rights and responsibilities in Canada HERE.

Basically, the Duty to Accommodate ... "requires employers to identify and eliminate rules that have a discriminatory impact. Accommodation means changing the rule or practice to incorporate alternative arrangements that eliminate the discriminatory barriers."

"A person who is denied accommodation can file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Complaints can be made in relation to any aspect of employment, including pre-employment testing, the working environment, training and promotions."

If you have more questions and concerns, the people at the ARCH Disability Law Centre might be able to help.

the 3 hour rule

I'm a full time worker. Are they allowed to give you 2-3 hour shifts?

I am not sure if this answers your question but I found this Ontario information here:

What happens if an employee comes in to work his or her shift, but is sent home after working less than three hours?

When an employee is required to report to work, but works less than three hours, he or she must be paid whichever of the following amounts is the highest:

• three hours at the minimum wage, or
• the employee's regular wage for the time worked.

For example, if an employee is paid $10.00 an hour and works only two hours, he or she is entitled to three hours at minimum wage (e.g., $7.15 x 3 = $21.45)-instead of two hours at his or her regular wage (10.00 x 2 = $20.00).

This is called the "three-hour rule."

The rule does not apply to:

• students (including students over 18 years of age)
• employees whose regular shift is three hours or less
• where the cause of the employee not being able to work at least three hours was beyond the employer's control.

Special rules may apply to certain industries. Please refer to the ESA (Employment Standards Act) and regulations.