Life isn’t always “fair,” but discrimination is illegal.
If you—an employee or job applicant—are being adversely treated by your employer based upon what you believe to be prejudices, your employer may be discriminating against you.
Discrimination falls into these categories:
- Equal pay
- Sexual orientation
- National origin, language, or race
- Sexual or pregnancy
Discrimination cases are not unusual, and we can help you protect your rights! Discrimination claims can also lead to other ways employers mistreat their employees. If you believe you’re being discriminated against, or have been discriminated against recently, you may have a case.
Equal pay for men and women
It is illegal to pay men and women differently who are in the same positions with equal qualifications, skill levels and education levels. It is also illegal to lower one’s salary to bring him or her in line with the other employees to correct a gender pay imbalance.
Age discrimination is specifically protected by law. Companies cannot pay differently according to age, advertise preferred ages for jobs, or promote, demote or terminate an employee due to their age.
Sexual orientation, national origin, language, race
Does your employer make assumptions, decisions or derogatory comments based upon your sexual orientation (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer), nationality, language or race? Your boss may be a jerk, but it’s also illegal behavior on his or her part. Consistent, directed behavior toward you or a group, in addition to discrimination, may also be considered either sexual harassment or creating a hostile work environment.
Have you lived with or a suffering —from a mental or physical disability (including a past illness or injury)? Have you ever not been granted a new duty or a promotion because it was assumed you would be incapable of performing these duties?
Your employer may be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, or the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. Your employer is required to make reasonable accommodations for you, as long as they do not cause the employer “undue hardship.”
By law, your employer cannot discriminate against you due to your religious beliefs, as long as it does not have excessive negative consequences for your employer. Additionally, your employer cannot ask you to comply with his or her beliefs, to attend religious events as a part of your job, unless you work for a non-profit religious organization or ministry.
Sex and pregnancy discrimination
Sexual discrimination occurs when you are being discriminated against due to being male or female. For women, this also includes discrimination if you are pregnant. An example of this is being skipped over for a promotion because of a pregnancy. It is also illegal for an employer to discriminate against women during pregnancy or during their maternity leave.
Sexual harassment is defined by unwelcome sexual comments, advances or inappropriate touching. These behaviors are against the law. Learn more about sexual harassment.
What is a hostile work environment?