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Job discrimination law in Te Puke, New Zealand, falls under the broader purview of New Zealand’s Human Rights Act of 1993 and Employment Relations Act 2000. These laws make it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on a variety of protected categories, including race, sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief, colour, nationality, ethnicity, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, or sexual orientation.
Legal advice can be necessary if you believe you have been unfairly treated or discriminated against in your workplace. This might include being denied a job, promotion, or training opportunity, or being harassed or victimised because of your association with a particular group. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, provide guidance about the potential success of your complaint, and assist you through the process of filing a complaint and potentially going to court.
The New Zealand Human Rights Act 1993 specifically outlines unlawful discriminatory practices in employment, including advertisement, application forms, job interviews, terms and conditions, training, promotion, dismissal, and retirement. Furthermore, the Employment Relations Act 2000 provides protection against unfair dismissal due to discrimination, providing for remedies including reinstatement and compensation.
Job discrimination includes any unfavorable treatment in the workplace based on a person's membership to a protected category like race, sex, age, etc. This may include rejecting job applicants, treating employees unfairly, or terminating an employee based on these factors.
Those proven to be victims of job discrimination can apply for remedies such as reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, and emotional distress. The seriousness of the discriminatory action often influences the quantum of the remedy.
According to the Human Rights Act 1993, a complaint must be filed within 12 months of the alleged discrimination, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Complaints related to workplace discrimination are primarily handled by the Human Rights Commission in New Zealand.
New Zealand law provides protection against retaliation. Employers cannot take punitive action against you for filing a discrimination complaint or assisting in the investigation of one.
The New Zealand Human Rights Commission and The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Labour Information service offer resources and advice regarding workplace discrimination. The Citizen Advice Bureau also provides free, confidential information and advice on all kinds of discrimination.
If you believe you have been a victim of job discrimination, you should document the discriminatory incidents, seek legal advice, and report your experience to the New Zealand Human Rights Commission. Remember, you have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination.
