What to Do if You Experience Harassment or a Difficult Situation at Work?
A difficult situation at work can be stressful, especially when you are a temporary foreign worker and depend on your job to maintain your work permit. It is important to recognize what is happening, keep relevant information, and know where to ask for help.
What Can Be Considered Harassment?
Harassment can take different forms. It may include repeated behaviours, words, or gestures that undermine your dignity, integrity, or work environment. It may also involve psychological or sexual harassment.
Insults, threats, humiliation, offensive comments, or intimidating behaviour may be signs of a situation that should be taken seriously.
If you are experiencing a difficult situation, keep the information that may help you explain what happened:
- Messages, emails, or communications with your employer.
- Dates, locations, and description of the facts.
- Names of people who were present.
- Photos or documents related to the situation, when appropriate.
Avoid deleting important communications and keep your employment-related documents.
What Can You Do?
If possible and safe, you can inform your employer about the situation. However, you do not have to face the problem alone.
If the situation continues or if you do not know what to do, seek information before making an important decision, such as leaving your job. A change of employment may have consequences depending on the conditions of your work permit.
Where Can You Ask for Help?
You can obtain information about your rights and options in cases of harassment or workplace problems. Available resources include:
- CNESST, to obtain information about labour standards and workplace harassment.
- InfoTET of Immigrant Québec, to obtain general information and guidance intended for temporary foreign workers.
- PSTM community organizations, which can provide support depending on your situation.
Key Points to Remember
- Do not face a situation that concerns you alone.
- Keep messages, documents, and other important information.
- Write down what happened while the facts are still recent.
- Get informed before making a decision that could have consequences for your employment or immigration situation.
- If you are in immediate danger, seek emergency assistance.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. The options available may vary depending on each worker’s situation.
