Fair Work info at Fair Day

The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a national campaign to educate workers about sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in the workplace.

Fair Work Ombudsman executive director Michael Campbell said instances of discrimination may be going unreported because of a lack of awareness about workplace rights.

“We have had few complaints about discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, but this may be due to a lack of awareness, and it is our role to educate the community about its workplace rights and obligations,” Campbell said.

“We want employees to be aware that discrimination in the workplace is unlawful and that they can turn to the Fair Work Ombudsman for help.

“Every worker has a right to a supportive workplace free of discrimination.

Fair Work will have a stall at Fair Day, where staff will talk about workplace issues and distribute brochures on unlawful workplace discrimination. Educational postcards will be distributed in capital cities over the next month.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has also created a Facebook page.

Since its establishment in 2009, the Ombudsman has received only 21 complaints nationally. Workers have complained about having their hours reduced, being dismissed and being treated in a hostile manner.

Other behaviour which could constitute discrimination included changing someone’s job to their disadvantage, reducing pay or refusing to hire them because of their sexuality or gender identity.

“Any worker who has been subjected to this type of conduct should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance,” Campbell said.

info: Visit www.fairwork.gov.au Fair Work Infoline 13 13 94.
Fair Day is on this Sunday.