In California, workplace discrimination is illegal and is taken very seriously under state and federal laws. If you believe you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, it is important to know your rights and understand how to protect yourself. Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, Inc. are experienced California employment law lawyers who are here to help inform you about workplace discrimination and your legal options.
What Constitutes Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Examples of discrimination include:
Unfair Treatment: This occurs when an employee is treated differently or unfairly based on their protected characteristics. For instance, an employee of Asian descent consistently receives less favorable work assignments compared to their colleagues of different ethnic backgrounds.
Wrongful Termination: When an employee is fired for reasons related to their protected characteristics rather than performance or conduct. An example would be terminating an employee because of their age despite satisfactory job performance.
Denial of Promotions: If an employee is consistently passed over for promotions or career advancement opportunities based on characteristics such as gender or race, it constitutes discrimination. For instance, a qualified female employee repeatedly loses out on promotions to less qualified male counterparts.
Unequal Pay: Pay disparities are based on protected characteristics, such as paying female employees less than male employees for the same work. This could involve offering lower starting salaries or denying raises based on gender or race.
Harassment: This includes any unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. Examples include racial slurs, unwanted sexual advances, or offensive jokes targeting a particular religion.
Failure to Accommodate Disabilities: Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities to perform their job duties effectively. Discrimination occurs when an employer fails to provide these accommodations, such as refusing to install wheelchair ramps for a physically disabled employee.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Employment Law
California has robust laws that protect employees from workplace discrimination. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment based on protected characteristics. The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) also provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of protected leave for specific family or medical reasons. Knowing your rights under these laws is crucial to asserting your legal rights in a discrimination case.
How Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, Inc. Can Help You
If you believe you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, Inc. are here to help. Our team of experienced California employment lawyers has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in discrimination cases. We understand the complexities of employment law in California, and are committed to helping individuals who have been subjected to workplace discrimination. We will listen to your story, investigate your claims, and fight for justice on your behalf.
When you choose us to represent you, we will provide personalized attention and legal guidance every step of the way. From filing a discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department to pursuing a lawsuit in court, we will be by your side throughout the entire legal process.
Don’t Stay Silent. Get Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, Inc. On Your Side Today
Don’t wait. Contact Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, Inc. today to schedule a consultation with our experienced employment lawyers. Your rights matter, and we are here to help you fight for justice. Take the first step towards protecting your rights and calling out discrimination in the workplace now.