Purpose:

As managers you will be faced with many challenging issues within the workplace. It is important to understand legally what is acceptable and what might be a potential Human Rights violation. The purpose of this activity is to discuss your approach and what if any laws are being violated. This topic is related to the content of Module 2: Operating within the Legal Framework.

Instructions:

In Class:

Read the scenarios below.

Using resources in the textbook, class notes and legislations discuss each scenario and identify what Human Rights legislation is being violated, explain what the legislation is and what would be your recommendation to the manager.

Scenario 1:

A new grocery store owner is posting job advertisements for a variety of positions. For the position of Stock Clerk, they have decided to require individuals to be at least 6 feet tall and have the ability to lift a 100 pound box over their head. These job requirements are forwarded to the HR representative for the store (you). What feedback would you give the owner?

Scenario 2:

An associate at Real Canadian Superstore has a degenerative disease which will require a permanent accommodation.

At this point it requires him to:

Sit for 30 minutes after every 30 minutes of standing

Take a 15 minute break every hour

Not lift more than 5 pounds

He is currently a Cashier which requires him to stands for 3-4 hours at a time and to lift items heavier than 5 pounds.

He could work the cash for 30 minutes at a time. However, it will be difficult to manage as he cant just walk away from a customer if he reaches his 30 minute maximum standing time. And there will need to be plan in place for when he has to lift items that weigh more than 5 pounds.

There are other tasks available around the store (like labelling and folding clothes) which could allow him to alternate between standing and sitting. However, they are no job openings in these areas.

The associates manager has approached the HR representative for advice. What do you say?