Race, Gender And Age Discrimination

CALIFORNIA RACE, GENDER AND AGE DISCRIMINATION ATTORNEYS

California employees are protected from unlawful treatment in the workplace. When that illegal treatment is based on an employee’s race, gender or age, it can form the basis for a lawsuit against the responsible person or organization.

Race, gender and age are protected characteristics under federal and state laws. Employers might discriminate against workers by not paying certain groups the same wages, giving them the opportunity to advance or by not allowing them access to the same services or benefits afforded other employees.

Employers who do discriminate may not be obvious in their bias but may adopt policies or practices that disproportionately affect members of a certain race, age or gender. If you feel you have been the victim of discrimination at your place of employment, contact Tovarian Law.

RACE DISCRIMINATION

Race discrimination may also include discrimination based on national origin. A worker may be treated unfairly based on facial or other physical characteristics, language, culture or ancestry. An employer may include certain questions on an application or job promotion exam that are culturally biased or may refuse to promote someone because of a physical or other characteristic common to a particular race or persons of a certain ancestry.

AGE DISCRIMINATION

Older employees may find themselves shut out from promotions or are being replaced by younger and less experienced employees who are often paid less and whose health insurance costs are much less.

GENDER DISCRIMINATION

It is a fact that women generally are not paid the same wages for the same position or for performing the same tasks as men. Women are often not offered the same executive positions or given the same advancement opportunities as their male counterparts despite having equivalent credentials in experience, education and job performance reviews.

LAWS PROTECTING WORKERS

Federal and state laws protecting workers from discrimination include:

  • California Fair Employment and Housing Act: Prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, age, gender, marital status, physical disability, national origin and sexual orientation

  • Equal Pay Act of 1963: Prohibits wage discrimination based on gender for those doing substantially equal work.

  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967: Law protecting workers over 40 from discrimination in employment practices and in providing benefits and retirement plans.

  • Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978: It is illegal to pass over for promotion or to not consider for employment women who are pregnant.

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits employers from discriminating in hiring and in treatment of employees based on race, religion, sex, pregnancy and national origin.

FILING A CLAIM

Any complaint based on employment discrimination must first be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEEOC) within a certain time. The EEOC will investigate your claim and determine whether to issue certain orders or award damages.

If your claim is not pursued, the EEOC will issue a letter or Notice of Right to Sue so that you may file a claim in civil court. You must first exhaust your administrative remedies by filing with the EEOC before you can file a job discrimination lawsuit.

CONTACT TOVARIAN LAW

Proving race, gender or age discrimination is often difficult and involves a thorough investigation. We have the experience in these cases to conduct these investigations, to talk to witnesses, obtain statements, and gather the necessary documentation to support your claim.

We are sensitive to the needs and concerns of workers who have been victimized by their employers. Call us today for a confidential, free initial consultation, We have the knowledge and resources to handle employment discrimination claims.