The Most Common Types of Workplace Discrimination

The Most Common Types of Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination continues to be a prevalent issue despite California laws forbidding such conduct. Handling workplace discrimination involves speaking openly about these incidents and taking legal action when necessary. Some employers only address discriminatory behaviors and policies once a settlement makes it too costly to allow. Employees should be aware of the most common types of workplace discrimination and how an attorney can assist them if they are experiencing it themselves. Call Jeannette A. Vaccaro to discuss your case. 

Racial Discrimination

Racial discrimination is a significant issue in society as well as the workplace. Each year, about a third of claims made to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is related to racial discrimination. Discriminatory behaviors and beliefs can occur in many different forms, from the hiring process to receiving raises and wages. Race-based employment discrimination can impact an individual’s ability to get hired or promoted and puts them under unfair scrutiny. Despite the Civil Rights Act and ongoing progress toward racial justice, racial discrimination continues to permeate many aspects of employment, so attorneys should be aware of their rights.  

Disability Discrimination

Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, employers must accommodate those who have a disability. Making assumptions about a person’s professional capabilities, treating them with hostility or having unfair policies in place can greatly affect a disabled worker’s safety and experience in a workplace. California law provides robust protection for workers with disabilities. If you are subjected to unfair treatment due to a disability, or if your employer rejected your request for a reasonable accommodation, our attorney can help you explore your options. 

Pregnancy Discrimination

Expecting and new mothers sometimes face discrimination from others at work. An employer may decline to hire a woman if she is pregnant or plans on becoming pregnant, while others try to terminate workers when they learn they’re pregnant. Some employers deny leave of absence or less physically intensive tasks to pregnant employees. New mothers should be aware of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, which can put their professional status at risk.

Gender Discrimination

Gender-based discrimination happens when employers or fellow employees treat someone unfairly based on their gender identity. Gender discrimination includes sexual harassment, although this kind of discrimination takes many other forms. The category also includes any discriminatory behavior dependent on someone’s gender identity, such as paying a woman less than a man for the same amount of type of work or making gender-based disparaging comments. 

Age Discrimination

Age discrimination, or that of workers who are over 40 years old, has increased over time due to a growing preference for younger workers. Older workers have a harder time finding employment and tend to be employed for longer periods than their younger counterparts. Age discrimination may take place as pressure to retire or quit. 

Retaliation

Whistleblower retaliation occurs when an employer takes action against an employee for reporting workplace violations and mistreatment. The employee may be fired or subjected to harsh treatment as a punishment. 

Contact an Attorney

If you believe you were subjected to workplace discrimination, contact an employment attorney to discuss the possibility of pursuing compensation. Jeannette A. Vaccaro delivers dependable legal guidance for employees facing unfair treatment.