Employment Discrimination

The main issues of discrimination are covered in three separate laws: Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and American Disabilities Act (ADA).

Federal law only prevents discrimination based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin (including Native American tribes)
  • Gender
  • Religion
  • Age (if aged 40 or older)
  • Pregnancy
  • Disability
  • Citizenship status

Some states and localities take the laws a step further to prohibit discrimination based on marital status, sexual orientation, or weight. If you want more information on your local anti-discrimination laws and regulations, speak with a professional employment attorney.

Equal Pay Act

Most discrimination laws apply to employers with five or more employees, except for the Equal Pay Act. The Equal Pay Act applies to all employers and requires men and women to be paid equal money for equal work. If the job duties are substantially similar in the amount of skill, effort, and/or responsibility, men and women must be paid the same amount.

Discrimination Applies to Everyone

Discrimination does not apply solely to women and minorities. Discrimination can happen to anyone at any time. If a white man under age 40 is passed over for a job or treated unfairly in favor of a woman, cultural minority, or disabled person, that man is being discriminated against and can file a complaint. Title VII protects everyone from discrimination, including Caucasians.

Discrimination Complaints

Despite all best efforts, any employer may be subject to discrimination complaints. Investigate and take the complaint seriously and contact an employment lawyer, who can make certain that all employers' rights are protected, as well as the employee's rights.

Term of the Day

Defined Benefit

Defined benefit plans are retirement or pension plans which are sponsored by an employer

Category: Employment Law

Question of the Day

Job discrimination do I have any legal recourse?

Unless your employer has done something blatantly illegal or has a pattern of illegal employment actions it can be difficult to win a discrimination claim.

Category: Employment Law



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