What is Discrimination in the Workplace?
Workplace discrimination is defined as unfavorable treatment of an employee based on a person’s age, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, national origin or disabilities. If the treatment affects their firing, hiring, salary, promotions, training, job assignments or benefits, then it may be considered illegal workplace discrimination.
In the workplace, individuals should feel as though they can go to work without any concerns or worries of how they will be treated. They should be able to go about their day without the thought of their employer or other employees mistreating them.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happens and individuals are often the unfortunate victims of discrimination. Some people may not even be aware that they are facing discrimination. Here are some actions that may be considered discrimination and what can be done about it.
Types of Workplace Discrimination
There are laws put into place in order to protect individuals in the workplace and prevent discrimination. However, not all jobs consider the rights of their employees and don’t provide the safest working environment. Here are some types of discrimination that often arise:
- Decisions based on age: Some individuals may not be hired, be fired, or even passed over for a position because they are too old or too young.
- Gender discrimination: It’s unfortunate, but some employers look at gender when making decisions in their hiring process or for promotions.
- Sexual orientation: There should not be decisions made based on someone’s personal life, including their sexual orientation.
- Disability: If an individual is injured at work, they may claim disability. It is against the law for an employer to fire someone based on a disability.
- Racial: When an individual is discriminated against based on race, there are legal avenues they can take to right these wrongs.
How Do I Know if I Have a Discrimination in the Workplace Case?
Discrimination in the workplace is a broad term. Discrimination against employees can involve issues involving race, gender, religion, sex, and disability. It can also involve other protected classifications such as sexual orientation.
Workplace discrimination can begin during the hiring process or involve a hostile work environment. It can also involve an unlawful firing.
It is important to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you determine the validity of your case.
What Can Be Done for Wronged Employees?
If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination in the workplace, there are various legal avenues you may be able to take to hold your employer accountable. Discrimination may also be a result of another co-worker against whom you may be able to take legal action.
At Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP, our Los Angeles employee rights lawyers have spent years dedicating ourselves to the protection of employees who have had their rights violated by an employer or co-worker. We take our jobs seriously and we work hard to seek compensation for the damages resulting from discrimination.
