Identity of spouse or partner
Everyone is entitled to equal treatment at work regardless of who their spouse or partner is. Employers can’t treat a worker unfairly because of who they are or were married to or living with.
Here’s an example:
| Micah, a commerce student, has a part-time job in an accounting firm. The job involves handling money and financial records. Micah lives in a relationship with Luke, who works for a law firm. Luke was recently suspended for alleged misuse of the firm’s trust fund. Micah’s employer decided to move Micah from his current job to a lower-paid job that only involves reception duties. Micah is being discriminated against because of the identity of his partner. |
There are exceptions. An employer is allowed to prevent a conflict of interest. They can also act if they have reason to believe that an employee will not be able to keep confidential information from their spouse or partner.
A spouse or partner’s identity can also be considered if it creates a danger in the workplace.
Last updated on Wed, 07/28/2010 - 13:09.
