Equal Employment, Diversity and Discrimination

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Equal Employment, Diversity and Discrimination

Equal Employment, Diversity and Discrimination

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Dentons’ Global Employment and Labor Group includes over 400 lawyers who regularly represent management in connection with employment- and benefits-related litigation, corporate and governmental investigations, executive compensation and counseling projects. Our lawyers are known for providing practical, business-oriented advice. With our global presence and contacts, we are one of only a handful of firms that can provide multinational businesses with a coordinated solution to all employment and benefits needs.

Dentons’ employment lawyers have assisted many clients in the creation and maintenance of equal employment, diversity and anti-discrimination programs. We have also worked closely with many clients in developing appropriate strategies and programs to increase diversity in the workplace and to lessen the risk of exposure to claims of discrimination.

Experience

Multinational car manufacturer: Advising on numerous contentious and non-contentious matters, including successfully defending a four-day unfair dismissal and sex discrimination complaint, and advising on a major redundancy and reorganization program.
Spirits and wine company: Successfully defending against claims of gender discrimination and retaliation filed with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. It was alleged that the company had discriminated against a female employee by promoting a similarly qualified male colleague to an executive position without ever interviewing her for the position, and then later retaliated against her by lowering her employee evaluation score shortly after she raised the claim. After we filed an answer that demonstrated that the employee could not prove discrimination or retaliation, our team successfully settled the case to the company’s satisfaction.
Suncor Energy Inc.: Advising on the implementation of a random alcohol and drug testing program. This case was an appeal by Suncor of the Court of Queen’s Bench decision to grant an injunction preventing Suncor from implementing its random alcohol and drug testing program until a decision was rendered regarding the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union’s (CEP’s) grievance against the reasonableness of the policy.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.: Advising after the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench dismissed a human rights complaint against a number of parties, including Syncrude Canada Ltd., in relation to a refusal to allow an individual to work at a work site following a positive alcohol and drug test. Syncrude Canada Ltd. appealed the Court of Queen's Bench's finding that a site-owner was an "employer" under section 7 of the Human Right's Act. On appeal, the Court of Appeal confirmed a narrower interpretation of the meaning of "employer", concluding that a site-owner is not an employer under section 7 of the Human Rights Act. This decision had a significant impact on the ability of site owners to implement appropriate site access requirements.
Syncrude Canada Ltd., Imperial Oil, Nexen, Albian Sands, & Suncor: Acting as counsel in the successful appeal before the Alberta Court of Appeal which upheld the right of employers to test workers in safety-sensitive jobs for alcohol and drugs in Alberta (Human Rights & Citizenship Commission) v. Kellogg Brown and Root (Canada) Company, 2007 ABCA 175.
Venture capital firm: Currently defending in federal court in New York against claims of sexual orientation discrimination and retaliation brought by a former human resources employee.

Insights

Supreme Court ruling on "woman" in the Equality Act 2010: 7 practical steps for employers

April 29, 2025

United Kingdom: The Supreme Court has clarified that "sex" under the Equality Act 2010 refers to "biological" sex at birth. We explore the meaning of this judgment and seven practical steps for employers to take now.

Indirect discrimination: key takeaways from EAT ruling on childcare disparity

March 11, 2025

United Kingdom: Following a recent EAT ruling on indirect discrimination and childcare disparity, we consider the issues raised in the case and the key considerations for employers.

Government launches "Keep Britain Working" review

March 4, 2025

United Kingdom: In late January, the government launched an independent review called "Keep Britain Working". The review will explore the role of the government and employers in tackling low employment rates for those with ill health and disability. Its remit will include investigating the scale, trends, obstacles and opportunities for companies when recruiting and retaining those with ill health or a disability.

View all insights for Equal Employment, Diversity and Discrimination

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons sponsors FairBreak women's cricket Invitational 2023 in Hong Kong

April 3, 2023

Dentons has partnered with FairBreak Global for the FairBreak Invitational women’s cricket Tournament, held from 3-16 April, to help progress gender equality. It is the second time Dentons has sponsored the Tournament, which is being played at the iconic Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong.