Karen's Blog

I had never thought about discrimination before I graduated from the University. But it indeed happens in the workplace, not only in Australian workplace but also in Chinese workplace. The story I am going to tell you happened in China. It was my first full-time job and I took it very seriously. However, due to the type of the business, which mainly focuses on engineering and outdoor work, I was assigned by a senior to do paperwork and some trivial things like materials organisation and writing, although my position is 3D engineer. Paperwork lasted about 3 weeks and I felt being ignored by the company and colleagues. Interns who got into the company with me at the same time did different but important job while I only did some trivial tasks. I tried to get a clue why it happened to me, After several conversations between me and my colleagues, I realised that I was discriminated because I was the only female among all the new interns at that time. To give it a change and be a ...

1. Age discrimination Age discrimination is a practice specifically protected by law which is Age Discrimination Act 2004 . With a few rare exceptions, companies are forbidden from specifying an age preference in job advertisements. Employees must receive the same benefits regardless of age, the only exception being when the cost of providing supplemented benefits to young workers is the same as providing reduced benefits to older workers. Also, age discrimination in apprenticeship programs or internship opportunities is illegal. (quoted from ALISON DOYLE ) 2. Gender discrimination According to Australian Human Rights Commision , Australia has made good progress towards achieving gender equality in recent times. However, at work, women continue to face a gender 'pay gap' and barriers to leadership roles. Additionally, sexual harassment and and gender-based violence also threaten women's basic right to feel safe and respected in the workplace. This discrimination...