In the Blog
Human Rights at Work
A recent hot topic out here on the West Coast is a woman who experienced a successful outcome from the human rights tribunal. Hailey de Lessier was awarded $26,000 in compensation for being let go from her job because she told her employers she was pregnant (CBC story here).
“I just [want] to tell other people that this does happen and you can fight it. It’s a long process but you can fight it and you can win your rights,” said de Lisser
What’s most interesting, for me, are the comments on the CBC story. Commentators’ opinions range from placing importance on either the plaintiff or the business, Lessier’s (in)ability to get Employment Insurance (EI), and a woman’s right to work. My favourites are after the jump.
How sad that people here think higher of a “guaranteed workforce” than a little baby. Pregnant mothers must prepare emotionally, physically and financially to take care of this new little person. It’s very telling of our society development when [we hear] comments like “don’t hire women of child bearing age”.Bravo! Good for her & her baby & family! Make these narrow-minded managers know that they can’t fire a woman just because she’s pregnant! I hope this company learns it’s lesson!I am surprised by some of the extremely negative comments here. This is Canada and working women are supposed to be protected against unfair hiring and firing practices, especially pertaining to pregnancy and maternity issues. I find it amazing that many still seem to think that all women should be in the home, taking care of the children, while their husbands, boyfriends etc. “bring home the bacon.” Women have choices, or should have choices in today’s world. They should have the right to adequate maternity leave if they become pregnant while employed and there should be no discrimination shown against women of childbearing age in hiring practices. However, society should also accept and respect those women who decide not to work or quit their jobs in order to be stay-at-home mothers.What do you think?
