In our last article, we addressed the topic of reasonable accommodation and looked at key concepts within its definition.

Trinidad and Tobago signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on September 27, 2007 and it was further ratified into domestic law on June 25, 2015. Even before this convention was ratified, the Equal Opportunity Act (EOA) Chap 22:03 placed a duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments for their staff to assist them in overcoming disadvantages resulting from any impairment.

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2022/02/07/what-is-reasonable-accommodation

The Equal Opportunity Commis­sion was recently invited by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce to present on vaccine discrimination at a webinar for its members. Mr. Haran Ramkaransingh, Legal Director at the Commis­sion joined the esteemed panel on the topic.

The Equal Opportunity Act is often described as a progressive piece of legislation

One of the core functions of the EOC is to receive and investigate complaints of discrimination and offer the process of conciliation to the disputing parties.

The act covers seven status grounds under which a person can be treated less favorably: sex, race, ethnicity, origin, including geographic origin, religion, marital status and disability.

As we start the New Year, we remind members of the public about the mandate and core functions of the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) so that they can access the full range of benefits that the EOC offers. It is prudent to ensure that members of the public understand and appreciate that the EOC does not just receive complaints, but we are empowered and positioned to be the leading public advocate on equality and discrimination.

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/10/core-functions-of-the-eoc

THE CHRISTMAS season is upon us and it is as good a time as any to talk about your rights when you are attempting to access goods, facilities and services.

The world is battling with a pandemic. The only way to navigate this period and build a better society is to do it together. It is critical that we treat each other with dignity and respect and, above all, kindness. No group or sector has gone unscathed and it is a sobering reminder that this is a defining moment in history that will put our humanity to the test. Based on our experiences so far, in terms of how we have reacted and treated our fellow citizens, what grade do you think we would receive? Are we passing or are we failing?

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/13/human-rights-day-2021

The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) joins United Nations (UN) members to commemorate World AIDS Day. Every year, on December 1, the world unites to show support for people living with HIV or AIDS and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2021/12/01/world-aids-day-2021

The EOC's webinar presentation was the marquee attraction at the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) 2021. The webinar on Know Your Rights: Employment Discrimination, registered the most attendees at this year's convention. The webinar, which took place on Wednesday 3rd November 2021, created an avenue for attendees to learn about the mandate of the EOC and have their questions answered on workplace discrimination and other relevant topics.

The Future of our nation depends on accessing talent and skill sets from all members of our society. It all starts with a quality education that gives people with disabilities access to inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities

COVID19 has undeniably created unique and challenging circumstances for both employers and employees, as well as an avenue for unwanted discrimination in the workplace. Despite these unprecedented circumstances, employers are under a legal obligation to ensure that any decision made in response to covid19 does not discriminate against employees pursuant to the Equal Opportunity Act, Chap 22:03 (the act).

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2021/11/15/workplace-vaccination

Whether you are an employer or human resource professional responsible for hiring or a jobseeker, it is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities during the recruitment process.

A grievance procedure is an orderly system for reporting and processing complaints. The procedure should contain an investigation and appeal mechanism that allows parties who are not satisfied to appeal against the results of investigations to the authorities.