Employees of any age, race, sex, gender identity, religious beliefs, and physical or mental disability, under law, should receive fair and balanced treatment in all regards. However, discrimination in the workplace occurs all over the country, including in California. Many argue that employment discrimination is the driving force behind inequality in the labor market.
State laws strictly prohibit discrimination in the workplace. According to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Fair Employment and Housing Act applies to all types of employers, including public and private employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies. The FEHA prohibits harassment in all work environments — even those holding less than five employees. Victims of workplace discrimination may file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Similar to many legal procedures, individuals must file complaints within one year of the last incident of discrimination.
Although statutes such as the FEHA work to protect and prevent employment discrimination, discrimination in the workplace is a common occurrence. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports on California’s recent issue with gender discrimination at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego. Female professors have sued the institute for giving preference to men in pay, and although Salk officials have disputed such claims, the professors refuse to back down. The female professors filing the lawsuit against Salk point out that the chances of a female employee rising to full-time professor status is rare, and when one does, she more likely than not endures numerous discriminatory reprisals minimizing success. In addition to this imbalance, female professors also report an unequal distribution of resources, such as donor funding and laboratory staff.
Workplace Discrimination Attorney, Workplace Discrimination Lawyer
Your job is more than just a source of income. It is a major part of your lifestyle. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, wrongful demotion or any kind of discriminatory business practices, it is time to take action and contact a Ventura employment law attorney that can help. Attorney Matthew A. Kaufman and the team at The Kaufman Law Firm bring experience and a vast arsenal of legal resources to help clients recover the money they deserve.
To learn more, contact our Westlake Village law office today and schedule an initial evaluation to discuss your case.