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Work Related Equal Employee Policies
I was going through my works HR Equal Employee policy today and was happily surprised with what I read. I’m still in the very early stages of planning and learning, trying to work out possibilities of transitioning while still in the current position at work.
Thought I might share a few key points of our HR Equal Employee Opportunity policy
PURPOSE
*** Pte Ltd (“*** Pte Ltd”) aims to provide an environment where employees and others in the workplace are treated fairly and with respect, and are free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, vilification and bullying.5.1 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Laws
Under EEO laws, discrimination, vilification, sexual harassment, bullying & victimisation are unlawful and strictly prohibited.5.2 Discrimination
Discrimination in employment occurs when a person is treated less favourably in their employment because of a ground of discrimination. Grounds of discrimination are set by law (Federal, State and Territory laws) and include sex, race, age etc.A full list of the grounds of discrimination which operate Australia wide are set out below. Those that operate federally and in the State and / or Territories in which workplace participants undertake their work for *** Pte Ltd will be relevant.
• Race (including colour, nationality, descent, ethnic, ethno-religious ornational origin)
• Sex
• Pregnancy (including potential pregnancy)
• Religious belief or activity
• Marital status, relationship status
• Homosexuality
• Carers’ responsibilities, family responsibilities, carer or parental status, being childless, sexuality, sexual preference, lawful sexual activity
• Disability, including physical, mental and intellectual disability
• Breastfeeding
• Age
• Physical features (VIC only)
• Profession, trade, occupation or calling (ACT only)
• Industrial / trade union membership, non-membership or activity
• Political belief or activity
• Employer association membership, non-membership or activity
• Compulsory retirement
• Transexuality, transgender and gender identity
• Criminal record
• HIV / AIDS
• Medical record
• Spent convictions
• Defence service
• Association (i.e. association with a person who has one or more of the attributes for which discrimination is prohibited)5.3 Vilification
Vilification is a public act which incites hatred, severe contempt or severe ridicule of a person or group, because of race, homosexuality, transgender, transexuality or HIV / AIDS. Vilification is a particularly serious breach of EEO laws and will be dealt with accordingly. -
3 Replies
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Hi Emily
Many employers have EEO policies similar to yours.
I have had a wonderful experience with my employer and they have been extremely supportive. I also know of one other T-girl who is employed by the same company, however, she is stealth and very few people know (those who need to know excepted).
I have friends who have also transitioned in other organisations and they have found their employers to be supportive also.
There may be smaller organisations who may make things difficult, but I think you will find most larger ones will try to accommodate our needs. It looks good on their EEO portfolios. LOL
For many of us, the issue is more about interactions at a more personal level with our fellow employee’s. I found that most people are either supportive or just didn’t care. It pays to have a thick hide for a while. If you don’t “pass” very well, that may just take a little bit longer for them to accept who you are. And some will just never be able to accept people like us. The rules are there to make it safe for everyone.
Good luck in your journey.
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Thank you Emily and Portia,
I work for a huge hospital in Melbourne, full-time and permanent. I’m just beginning my transition to Clare, and I’m grateful for your information about equal opportunity.
I’m in a good space, as I’m 65, happy as a clam at the position I’m in, without any desire for promotion.
I’ll find my HR department tomorrow and ask for a copy of the relevant document. It’s all about getting one’s ducks in line before plunging into the water (to mix a metaphor) isn’t it?
Love Clare 😆
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Clare
Good luck on your journey, I dont think I am able to transition at work at present but I wish that I could! Our HR policy is in rewrite at present.
Kathy
