Discrimination at work is an issue that significantly impacts individuals’ lives and careers. The Los Angeles discrimination lawyers at Moore Ruddell LLP, are committed to addressing this important issue. This blog post aims to provide a clear understanding of workplace discrimination, how to recognize it, and the steps you can take if you believe you have been a victim of discrimination.
Types of Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace can take on many forms. Being able to identify the different types of discrimination is the first step in addressing the issue.
- Race and Color Discrimination: Unlawful treatment due to one’s race or color, including bias in hiring, promotion, job assignment, wrongful termination, and compensation.
- Gender Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on gender or gender identity.
- Age Discrimination: Unlawful bias against individuals who are 40 years of age or older.
- Disability Discrimination: Unfair treatment of employees or job applicants with disabilities.
- Religious Discrimination: Discrimination based on religious beliefs is also against the law.
- Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Discrimination based on sexual orientation is unlawful.
- National Origin Discrimination: Treating people unfavorably because they are from a particular country or part of the world is unacceptable.
Recognizing the Signs
Discrimination may not always be plain to see. Some signs include inequality in pay or promotion opportunities, offensive jokes, slurs, or other offensive conduct, and unfair treatment like being singled out for unclear reasons.
Recent Statistics on Workplace Discrimination
In Fiscal Year 2022, the EEOC received 73,485 new discrimination charges, marking an almost 20% increase from the previous fiscal year. The breakdown of cases by discrimination type is as follows:
- Retaliation: 55.80%
- Disability: 37.2%
- Race: 34.1%
- Sex: 30.6%
- Age: 21.1%
- National Origin: 10.1%
- Color: 5.7%
- Religion: 3.4%
- Equal Pay Act: 1.4%.
Additionally, a notable gender imbalance exists in managerial positions, with one-third of companies not having a single woman on their management team. Among C-level executives, 68% are white men, 18% are white women, 10% are men of color, and Black women constitute only 4%.
What to Do Next
- Document Everything: Maintain a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, places, what was said or done, and witnesses.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with federal and California state laws regarding workplace discrimination.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consulting with a legal professional can provide insight into your rights and options.
- Report the Discrimination: Report the issue to your supervisor or the appropriate person within your organization.
Where are here to help
Workplace discrimination is an unfortunate reality. However, with the right knowledge and support, you can take a stand against such injustices. If you believe you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, Moore Ruddell LLP is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and understand how we can assist you in addressing workplace discrimination.