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EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION

gunther & patel law

HARRISBURG AREA LAWYERS
FOR EMPLOYEES

Employment discrimination laws protect employees from being treated unfairly on the basis of certain characteristics, such as race, national origin, sex, religion, age, and disability. These laws apply to all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, firing, promotions, wages, and benefits.

If you believe you have been the victim of employment discrimination, you may be able to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a discrimination complaint.

Unfortunately, employees are sometimes taken advantage of by their employers; harassment, retaliation, unpaid overtime, and wrongful discharge are extremely common. We represent employees throughout Pennsylvania who suffered harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination. If you’ve been terminated from your job, discriminated or harassed at work, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.

WHAT ARE THE FOUR MAIN TYPES OF DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE?

Race discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfavorably because he or she is of a certain race, possesses personal characteristics associated with a certain race (such as skin color, hair texture, certain facial features associated with the race), or because of skin color complexion.

This includes all aspects of the employment process – hiring, firing, promotion, compensation, layoffs, job duties, or training. Unlawful harassment based on race or color may include racial jokes, ethnic slurs, offensive or derogatory remarks, or display of racially offensive symbols. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964  makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of race.

Sex or gender discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfavorably because the individual is a female or male. It is unlawful for an employer to have unequal treatment and policies for females and males. This includes all aspects of the employment process – hiring, firing, promotion, compensation, layoffs, job duties, or training. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of gender.

  • Sexual harassment occurs when an employer harasses an employee or applicant because of that person’s sex.
  • Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, inappropriate verbal comments or gestures, inappropriate physical contact of a sexual nature, inappropriate emails or text messages, lewd remarks, nicknames, or insults. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of gender.
  • Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. Pregnant employees may have additional rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfavorably because he or she has a disability. Disabilities may include a mental or physical impairment limiting one or more major life activities (like walking, talking, seeing, hearing, or learning), a person who has a history of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. This includes all aspects of the employment process – hiring, firing, promotion, compensation, layoffs, job duties, or training. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities.
Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant, who is 40 years or older, unfavorably because of his or her age. This includes all aspects of the employment process – hiring, firing, promotion, compensation, layoffs, job duties, or training. Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects certain applicants and employees 40 years of age and older from discrimination.
There are other kinds of prohibited discrimination that can occur that are prohibited by law, including discrimination based on pregnancy, national origin, gender identity, religion, or sexual orientation. If you feel that you have been unfairly treated at work, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.

Call Our Harrisburg Employment Discrimination Lawyers

717.983.2555

for a free, no obligation consultation