What Laws Protect Employees From Discrimination?
Employment law is a complicated area of law that involves many different statutes and regulations. Many employment laws are in place with the intention of protecting employees from unlawful discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful termination. The following are only some examples of employment laws that provide the right to be free from discrimination and other harmful actions in the workplace.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Perhaps the most well-known employment anti-discrimination law, Title VII makes it illegal to discriminate against employees for the following reasons:
- Race;
- Religion;
- Color;
- National origin; or
- Sex.
The law prohibits discrimination in all stages of employment, from hiring to termination. It further prohibits an employer from retaliating against employees for complaining about discriminatory acts in the workplace. Retaliation can include firing, demoting, disciplining, undesirable transferring, and more.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act
This act updated Title VII to outlaw discrimination or retaliation against women because of pregnancy, medical issues related to pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, or similar conditions.
Americans with Disabilities Act
This law prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against individuals with actual or perceived mental or physical disabilities. In addition, this law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who otherwise have the ability to perform their duties. Such accommodations must be made unless the employer would suffer an undue hardship as a result.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Many employers may be tempted to fire older employees who earn more in order to hire younger employees who will work for less money. However, this law protects employees over the age of 40 from discrimination and adverse employment actions based on their age.
Equal Pay Act
This law requires employers to pay men and women employees an equal pay rate for performing equal work. Employers are also not allowed to retaliate against women who complain of a pay gap. Despite this law, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that women only earn an average of $0.78 for every dollar men make.
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
This relatively new law protects against discrimination based on genetic information. Genetic information can include the following:
- Genetic test results;
- Test results of family members;
- Medical history of disease or medical conditions; and
- Any medical history of genetic disease or medical conditions in the family.
The acts listed above provide only some insight into the laws that protect your anti-discrimination rights.
Consult With a Florida Employment Discrimination Attorney Today
If you believe that your rights under any of the above employment laws have been violated, you should discuss your options with a knowledgeable employment discrimination lawyer as soon as possible. At the law office of Robert S. Norell, P.A. in Plantation, Florida, we can evaluate your situation and advise you whether any employment laws were violated. If you employer violated your rights, we will stand up for your right to recovery for the harm caused. Please call our office today at 305-405-9243 for help.
Robert S. Norell, Esq. became a member of the Florida Bar in 1994 and has represented hundreds of clients in all types of employment law cases for the past 20+ years.