Employment Discrimination Attorneys MN

What to Do When You Experience Discrimination

Proving discrimination can be challenging. It is helpful to consult with an employment discrimination attorney about the best steps to take and when to take them. For example, it is often a good first step to file an internal complaint according to company policy. This puts the company on notice and allows it to resolve the problem.

There are many ways to prove that discrimination has occurred. You don’t need proof beyond a reasonable doubt or an outright admission from an employer. Many times, it is conduct and actions over time that show discrimination.

One way to help show discrimination has occurred is to keep a detailed record of each instance of workplace discrimination. It is helpful to document what happened when it happened, and who was involved.

Also, note the names of any witnesses to the incident. (Do this recording on your own time and keep any records in your personal possession, not a company computer.) If you decide to report the discrimination to your employer or bring a lawsuit, this documentation can be invaluable.

Types of Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination has many forms and can be nuanced, which is one of the reasons it’s important to consult an experienced lawyer if you think you have been discriminated against in the workplace. State and federal laws prohibit workplace discrimination, which extends to multiple facets of employment. Besides the hiring and firing process, workplace discrimination can include:

    • Job assignments
    • Training
    • Promotions/demotions
    • Salary differences

Discrimination laws prohibit companies from subjecting employees or applicants to discrimination based on the legally-protected characteristics. Employers cannot terminate or discriminate against an employee based on age, disability, race, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other clearly discriminatory reason.

Age

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits employers from treating an applicant or employee who is 40 or older less favorably than others due to their age.

Age discrimination in the workplace also encompasses harassment because of a person’s age that creates an offensive or hostile work environment. Employment practices or policies that negatively impact employees or applicants 40 years of age and older can also be illegal if they are not based on a reasonable factor other than age.

Minnesota law is even broader. It prohibits discrimination based on age against anyone who is 18 or older.

Disability

Disability discrimination takes place when an applicant or employee is treated less favorably in the workplace because of a current or perceived disability. Unless it would cause hardship to the business or organization, an employer must make reasonable accommodations for an individual to perform tasks required by a position if that person is qualified.

Race/Color

When an employee or applicant is treated negatively because of skin color or other personal characteristics such as facial features or hair texture, there may be grounds for a discrimination claim. This prejudice can occur even among those of the same race or color. An employment policy that negatively impacts individuals of a particular race or color and is not related to business operations may be illegal.

National Origin

Several state and local laws, as well as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibit discrimination due to an employee’s national origin. They also encompass individuals who are married to a person of a particular national origin. These laws forbid discrimination regarding many facets of employment, from job assignments, training, and salary to promotions, fringe benefits, and layoffs.

Religion

The law protects individuals who belong to traditional religions as well as those who have sincere ethical, religious, or moral beliefs. Title VII forbids job or workplace segregation based on religion. It also encompasses the grooming practices and clothing worn as a result of religious beliefs. Employers must make reasonable accommodation for religious events, such as flexible scheduling, modifications, or shift substitutions unless it causes undue stress on the business operations.

Equal Pay/Gender Inequality

The Equal Pay Act covers all forms of pay, including salary, vacation, holiday time, and overtime, to stock options, bonus plans, life insurance, and profit-sharing.

If travel is involved in the position, hotel accommodations, gasoline allowances, and reimbursement for travel expenses are also included. Men and women must be given equal pay for equal work within the same workplace. Tasks and duties required of a position, not the title, determine whether jobs are essentially the same.

Pregnancy/Family Responsibility

When job discrimination occurs based on pregnancy or biases on how employees share their caregiving responsibilities, it is unlawful.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects women who are temporarily unable to perform routine job duties as a result of their pregnancy or related medical conditions. Employers that allow disabled employees to take leave without pay or must do the same for pregnant employees, and those who have additional family responsibilities. These responsibilities are not limited to the birth or adoption of a child. They can also include caring for an elderly or sick family member.

Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace includes any type of different treatment or harassment of an employee based on a real or perceived sexual orientation. No federal law expressly outlaws employment discrimination in the private sector on the basis of sexual orientation, although federal government employees are protected from discrimination on the basis of their orientation as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual.

Genetic Information

Genetic testing can provide information about an individual’s family medical history. The data is often used to help determine particular types of health risks and predisposition to certain diseases. Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 forbids discrimination based on the information from genetic testing.

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances, physical harassment of a sexual nature, requests for sexual favors, and offensive comments about an individual’s sex are all forms of unlawful harassment – which is a form of gender discrimination. While offhand comments or isolated incidents may not be covered, when they become frequent or create a hostile work environment, that conduct becomes illegal.

Harassment

Illegal harassment is not limited to sex. Harassment based on other protected characteristics (e.g. age, race, etc.) becomes unlawful when it creates a hostile, intimidating, or abusive environment and interferes with a person’s ability to work. Harassment can include but is not limited to threats, physical assault, offensive jokes, mockery, and intimidation.

This behavior often occurs as part of employment discrimination and as retaliation against a person who filed a complaint.

Retaliation or Reprisal

There are workplace protections for employees who claim they are being subjected to discrimination. Illegal retaliation or reprisal occurs when an employee suffers adverse consequences for reporting discrimination. Fortunately, there are protections that cover employees who report discrimination against themselves or others. Unlawful retaliation or reprisal may include harassment, transfers to unwelcome or objectionable job duties or shifts, demotions, or termination.

Contact us to discuss your workplace discrimination concerns.

Most jobs are considered at-will employment, which means your employer has the right to end your work-based relationship for any legal reason. However, many times an employer’s reasons for your termination are a cover for illegal motives. If you believe your employer has subjected you to illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation, you may have grounds to pursue a lawsuit.

Don’t try to handle the situation on your own. Contact our firm to discuss your situation and concerns. Some time limits may apply to when you can file a case so it is important to act quickly. 

More Practice Areas

Dedicated to Fighting Workplace Discrimination

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients who have faced workplace discrimination.

When you contact our law firm, one of our Intake Specialists will be your first significant point of contact. Well-versed in Halunen Law’s practice areas, these professionals will listen to your concerns or review your submitted form and direct your inquiry accordingly. Our attorneys offer a free, confidential consultation to all potential clients. If we take your case, there is no cost unless we win. Call us today at 612-605-4098 or fill out the Case Review Form using the link below.

Halunen Contact Button