Czech Republic
Overview
Please review the information below and then return to the workplace harassment prevention course.
Harassment and discrimination based on a protected characteristic are prohibited under national law.
Applicable Laws
The primary national laws prohibiting employment discrimination and harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic are:
- The Anti-Discrimination Act, Act No. 198/2009 Coll., and
- The Labour Code, Act No. 262/2006 Coll..
Protected Characteristics
Harassment or discrimination based on any characteristic set forth below is prohibited in the Czech Republic.
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Nationality
- Citizenship
- Social origin
- Family line
- Language
- Health status
- Age
- Religion or belief
- Property
- Marital and family status
- Political or other opinion
- Political affiliation or activity
- Trade union membership or activity
Regional, state or other political subdivision laws may provide additional, separate standards and remedies for certain prohibited conduct.
Definitions
Harassment
Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic which:
- has the purpose or effect of diminishing the dignity of a person and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive working environment, or
- could legitimately be perceived as a precondition for a decision affecting the exercise of rights and obligations arising from the employment relationship.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which:
- has the purpose or effect of diminishing the dignity of a person and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive working environment, or
- could legitimately be perceived as a precondition for a decision affecting the exercise of rights and obligations arising from the employment relationship.
Filing a Claim in the Czech Republic
A complaint related to employment discrimination or harassment may be filed with the State Labour Inspectorate or the Ombudsman (Public Defender of Rights).
Employment discrimination and harassment claims may also be filed in court.
Potential Remedies
In the Czech Republic, an employee who has experienced workplace discrimination or harassment may be entitled to monetary and other remedies. An employer may be required to take certain actions to correct or redress discriminatory harassment or violations of workplace safety standards. Potential remedies are listed below.
- Hiring
- Transfers
- Reassignments
- Promotions
- Reinstatement to a position
- Compensation for lost wages and benefits
- Damages for injury to dignity or feelings
- Cease and desist orders
Retaliation Prohibited
Employer retaliation against an employee who files a complaint relating to discrimination or harassment or is involved in the complaint process is unlawful.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only.
It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.