Discrimination in the workplace is an unfortunate reality that many employees face. Not only is it unethical when employers discriminate against employees, but it can also violate legal protections. California has both state and federal laws that protect workers from such conduct.
Reporting discrimination in Sacramento is crucial if you feel you have been treated unfairly. If an employer makes an adverse decision about an employee because of their age, race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, they could be held accountable for workplace discrimination. Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee unfairly based on a characteristic protected by law rather than based on their job performance or qualifications. Characteristics included in the legal protections are the following:
Discrimination can be overt or more subtle. An employee could be discriminated against by being denied a promotion or raise. Unequal treatment could also include being held to different performance standards or given less desirable assignments than coworkers with similar roles.
Additionally, discrimination can cause a hostile work environment when an employer’s offensive conduct makes it nearly impossible for an individual to do their job. An employer who engages in unfair hiring practices or wrongfully terminates employees based on a protected characteristic is discriminating.
It can also take the form of retaliation after an employee reports unethical or illegal conduct from an employer. Recognizing discrimination is the first step in pursuing justice. Seek legal advice about your specific situation to help determine whether discrimination is taking place.
A combination of several federal and state laws prohibits discrimination in a place of employment, including the following:
Contact Erkel Law, P.C., for more information on state and federal laws protecting against discrimination in the workplace.
If an individual is experiencing any form of discrimination at work, taking the right steps to report it can offer legal protection and strengthen a case. First, it is key to keep a detailed record of discriminatory conduct. Write down the dates, times, locations, and names of individuals involved in each incident. It is also important to keep communication that could become evidence, such as emails or texts.
Next, the discrimination should be reported to the employer through the usual complaint process. Make sure the report is made in writing. If the employer does not correctly address the situation after it has been reported, filing a formal complaint to a government agency is the next appropriate step. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency that accepts claims of discrimination.
Generally, a complaint must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory conduct. State claims can be filed with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). Individuals typically have three years to file a claim. If a resolution has not been found, the last resort is filing a lawsuit against the employer. An Erkel Law, P.C. attorney could help a client seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and more through such legal action.
Being discriminated against in the workplace can significantly affect an individual’s professional and personal life. Hiring an attorney to assist with reporting discrimination in Sacramento is essential, and it is critical to take action as soon as possible.
A workplace discrimination lawyer could offer legal advice and help you pursue justice from your employer. This could include gathering evidence, filing formal claims with the EEOC or California’s agency, negotiating settlements with employers, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Erkel Law, P.C. is experienced in representing discrimination in workplace claims and could help you with various situations. Call today to speak with Steven Erkel for more information.
(916) 709-3702 
