Discrimination in the workplace can be seen in numerous ways, and oftentimes, it’s not always easy to identify right away. While Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees nationwide from discrimination on the basis of age, sex, color, race, or national origin, workplace bias and prejudice continue to be a problem.
If you’ve experienced mistreatment by your employer and you believe discrimination was the reason behind it, it’s important that you report a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or your state’s employment agency equivalent. At Snider & Associates, LLC, we can guide you through the claims process and work so that your voice is heard and your employer is punished.
The hiring and firing process is usually the first thing that comes to mind when discrimination is mentioned in the workplace; however, it can be difficult to pinpoint whether an employer has refused to hire someone based on discrimination or on their own merit. When firing, a performance evaluation can be done to determine whether the discharge was warranted.
When promotions and bonuses are withheld or distributed unfairly, discrimination can be the underlying cause as to why one employee received benefits and another employee didn’t. Employees are protected under various federal statutes against discrimination, so if the withheld benefits were due to pregnancy, age, or disability, for example, then the employer likely broke the law.
If the employer can justify why they promoted others or distributed bonuses based on performance and behavior, then discrimination may not be the cause.
Verbal and sexual harassment are unacceptable in the workplace, and there are laws to protect against harassment as well as discrimination laws that protect minority groups against such treatment. Retaliation can occur when an employee submits a complaint against their employer, and as a result, they’re mistreated. Retaliation is illegal and a form of discrimination against all employees.
If you feel that your employer has discriminated against you in one of the ways listed above or in any other way, it’s important to seek justice and hold your employer accountable for their actions. If you don’t file a complaint, your employer could continue to discriminate against you and others for years to come. At Snider & Associates, LLC, we can help you file a claim quickly so that you can walk away with clarity.
If you want to speak with an employment lawyer in Maryland about an incident you’ve experienced in greater detail, you can call 410-653-9060 or visit our website for more information.
