Santa Clarita Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces many federal laws that protect employees from discrimination as well. Some notable ones include the following:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits any form of employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or religion.
• The Equal Pay Act (EPA): Prohibits wage discrimination based on sex for employees working at the same company who perform duties that are significantly similar.
• Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and requires employers to give disabled employees reasonable accommodations.
• Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA): Prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on their national origin or citizenship status (whether they are current citizens or intending citizens).
• The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) Prohibits employers from using genetic information, such as family medical history, as a basis for employment decisions.

Generally, employers with 15 or more employees are covered by these federal laws. The Equal Pay Act, however, covers employers with at least one employee. It is also worth mentioning that employees with 20 or more employees are covered by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prevents age discrimination against individuals who are 40 or older.

Preventing Workplace Discrimination

Preventing discrimination in the Santa Clarita workplace is essential for maintaining a work environment that is safe, inclusive, and positive. Both employers and employees play a crucial part in creating a work culture that values and respects diversity. Here are a few key strategies to help fight and prevent workplace discrimination:

• Establish and enforce clear anti-discrimination policies and procedures. Ensure all employees are made aware of the policy.
• Offer training sessions on diversity and inclusion, as well as workplace discrimination and harassment, to address any behavior that is problematic.
• Encourage employees to communicate openly, ensuring they are comfortable voicing their concerns and reporting discrimination incidents without fear of retaliation.
• Thoroughly investigate all reported incidents of discrimination and take necessary corrective action.
• Engage in fair promotion and hiring practices using objective criteria to evaluate applicants and employees.

By implementing strategies such as these and making an effort to prioritize diversity and inclusion, companies can effectively reduce the chances of workplace discrimination.

FAQs

Q. What Are Three Things That an Employer Can’t Discriminate Against?

A. There are several characteristics that an employer can’t discriminate against, but three characteristics on the long list are race/color/nationality, gender or sex, and disability. Although these are very important categories, there are many more characteristics that are protected under federal and state laws. Employers are required to comply with all anti-discrimination laws to ensure an inclusive work environment.

Q. What Qualifies as Discrimination in the Workplace in California?

A. In California, there are various acts that qualify as discrimination in the workplace and are prohibited under FEHA. These acts may include:

• Treating an individual unfairly based on a protected characteristic
• Harassment due to a protected characteristic
• Disparate impact
• Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations
• Retaliating against an employee for participating in a protected activity

Q. What Legal Options Are Available for Workplace Discrimination?

A. If you have experienced workplace discrimination, you have a few legal options to seek remedies, including filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, opening a case in court after receiving a right-to-sue notice, negotiating a settlement with your employer, and participating in a class action with other employees who experienced discrimination. It is important to consult with an attorney to decide the most favorable course of action before pursuing any legal option.

Q. What Is the New Law on Discrimination in California?

A. One of the most recently enacted laws on discrimination in California is Assembly Bill 2188. This new law protects job applicants and employees from discrimination based on their use of cannabis while off the job and away from the workplace and based on a required drug test that finds non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites in the individual’s system.

An Experienced Santa Clarita Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

We recognized the potential risks involved with speaking out against workplace discrimination and the courage it takes to do so anyway. That is why we at Nosrati Law, A Professional Law Corporation, are committed to providing our clients with support and a safe space to share their experiences without fear.

It is our goal to help you obtain justice and compensation and contribute to the effort to foster more inclusive work environments. Contact our office today to learn how we can assist you.