Employees deserve to have a safe and healthy work environment. No one deserves to go to work only to be treated unfairly or disparaged. In fact, workers should be evaluated on their ability to perform their job, rather than qualities or characteristics outside of their control.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a prime example of federal legislation designed to protect employees from being passed up for a job, evaluated poorly or terminated simply because of their race, religion, ethnicity, sex or national origin. If employment discrimination occurs, then it may be possible to file a civil claim under this law.
An Indiana woman who managed a deli at a convenience store was facing on-the-job discrimination. She decided to stand up for herself by filing a discrimination claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with the hope of rectifying the way she was being treated at work.
In response to the employment discrimination claim, the situation only got worse for the woman. She began to face even more scrutiny and discipline. Eventually, the woman was fired because of her decision to defend her rights.
Again, the woman has decided to take action against her employer. This time, however, she filed a claim for employer retaliation. Under the law, an employee cannot face additional unfair treatment after filing a discrimination claim.
Certainly, it may feel intimidating to file a claim for discrimination, especially because people fear that they could face retaliation just like this Indiana woman did. The important thing to know, however, is that the law is on the side of employees in this case, which can provide the legal protection employees need when they are being treated poorly.
Source: Indystar.com, “Indiana gas station sued after firing deli clerk who filed discrimination complaint,” Dec. 24, 2013
