In the workplace, discrimination means the unfair treatment of an employee based on race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, age or similar. This unfair treatment can include things like work privileges or breaks, time off, work terms and conditions, or type and difficulty of assignments. Discrimination may also affect pay, hiring and firing, promotion, or quality and length of training. It may also include various types of harassment while at work. Discrimination against employees is illegal according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you have experienced discrimination while at work, you may benefit from consulting with a skilled New York employment lawyer.
Filing an EEOC Complaint
When an employee believes that he or she is facing discrimination in the workplace, he/she may file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC. The EEOC is a federal agency that investigates claims of discrimination and that has the power to either settle your claim with the employer or file a lawsuit in court. There are also state agencies with which an employee may file a claim of discrimination, which vary from state to state. EEOC claims must be filed either in person or by mail and cannot be filed online. The claim must be filed within 180 days of the violation. Speaking with an experienced lawyer can help you clarify whether or not this claim is the right thing to pursue.
What to Do When Facing Discrimination
If you believe you are facing discrimination at work, always make your employer aware of this first. Ask for the employer to investigate your allegation and to take some sort of corrective action against the accused party or parties. Employers are required to take this type of problem seriously and to respond in a timely fashion. Always document in writing any and all incidents of discrimination or harassment. Also, make note of any other witnesses who heard or saw these incidents. If your employer does not respond appropriately to your request, then you may contact the state or federal agency for more help.
Call to Schedule a Free Consultation With a New York Employment Lawyer Today
Personal injury and employment lawyers at Littman & Babiarz Law Office have been helping those injured at work in central New York for over 30 years. We have Law offices in Auburn and Ithaca NY, and look forward to supporting clients throughout Lansing, Watkins Glen, Owego, Elmira and surrounding Tomkins County, Seneca County, Cayuga County, Cortland County, Schuyler County, Chemung County, Tioga County, Yates County, Onondaga County and Broome County communities. If you need legal advice related to a claim of workplace discrimination, we’ll help you follow the right course of action to get the results you want. Get in touch with us online or call us at 607-277-7527 regarding your free initial consultation today.