Employment discrimination is an issue that affects thousands of workers every single year. Discrimination is harmful to your career and financial stability. You must recognize discrimination to protect your rights and ensure a safe and fair working environment. Dhillonlaw.com aims to assist individuals who have faced discrimination in the workplace. In this article, we will examine how to recognize and fight employment discrimination.
What Is Employment Discrimination?
When a business treats an employee unjustly because of a protected feature, it is considered employment discrimination. It can also be based on age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, or gender. These characteristics fall under federal and local laws.
Discrimination is a broad term that includes:
- Hiring or Firing Decisions: Discriminating someone in the hiring and firing process based on protected traits.
- Unequal Compensation: Paying employees different amounts for the same work based on gender, race, and other protected characteristics.
- Failure to Provide Equality: Denying promotion or training opportunities because of a worker’s race, gender, or another protected characteristic.
It can be hard to detect employment discrimination. This is especially true if the conduct is subtle or if there are questions about whether it is illegal. Understanding what to look for is important if there’s a suspicion of discrimination.
Signs And Symptoms Of Employment Discrimination
There are several signs that you could be experiencing discrimination in the workplace.
- Unfair Treating Compared with Colleagues: If you see that you receive unfair treatment or that promotions, raises, and training opportunities are given to less qualified colleagues but not to you, that could be discrimination.
- Offensive Comments or Jokes: If you are subjected to offensive jokes, remarks, or gestures regarding your race, gender, religion, or another protected characteristic, this could constitute discrimination or harassment.
- Unequal Compensation for the Same Work: Differences in pay between employees performing similar or the same job can indicate gender and racial bias. Speaking out if your salary has been reduced or withheld for discriminatory reasons is essential.
- Refusal of Benefits and Leave: Discriminating a person for taking maternity, medical, or any other form of protected leave is discrimination. You should consult an attorney if you have been denied benefits or leave due to a protected characteristic.
Discrimination And The Steps You Should Take
If you believe you are experiencing workplace discrimination, taking specific measures to protect your rights is essential. What you can do:
- Document The Discriminatory Behaviour
Document any incidents of discrimination you may encounter. Document the dates, times, locations, nature, and individuals involved. Notify any witnesses and their contact information if there are any. This documentation may be essential in proving discrimination and building a strong case.
- Report Discrimination
Most employers have an established process for reporting any discrimination or harassment. This usually involves HR or the designated employee relations department. You should report any issue immediately, even if there is uncertainty about the outcome. Reporting discrimination notes the incident, and your employer is notified that it must be addressed.
- Seek Legal Advice
If the issue persists and escalates, you may want to seek legal assistance. Unemployment discrimination lawyers can guide you on the best action and explain your options. Employment law lawyers can evaluate your case’s merits and guide you through the complicated legal process.
At Dhillon Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping individuals affected by workplace discrimination. We provide you with expert legal guidance and support to protect your rights at every stage of the process.
- Make A Formal Complaint
If the employer refuses to resolve it internally, you can file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC investigates claims of employment discrimination. If necessary, it can take legal measures. You usually have 180 calendar days to file a lawsuit from the date the discriminatory action occurred, but this timeframe varies by state and type.
Conclusion
Recognizing and fighting discrimination in the workplace can be an emotionally charged and difficult process. Understanding the signs of workplace discrimination and taking appropriate legal action will help you protect your rights. Contact a qualified employment lawyer if you feel that you have been discriminated against. Dhillon is committed to guiding you through the complex employment discrimination laws and fighting for justice.
