Employment discrimination happens in a number of ways, including if an employee is mistreated, or treated unequally, because of, among other protected classifications, their religion, national origin, age, race, disability, or gender. If an employee is mistreated for one of these reasons, they may be able to file a lawsuit against you and your facility.
Danz Law represents employers and businesses in South Florida to help you understand employment laws and compliance with such laws. We have the experience and knowledge to represent you if these charges have been made against your business. Below are some facts you should know about in order to avoid being charged with employment discrimination.
Employment discrimination is generally illegal in every aspect of employment. You cannot discriminate when it comes to:
- The hiring process
- Promotion of employees
- When determining compensation
- The layoff or firing process
- The assignment of work
- The benefits process or who and what type of benefit packages are given
Human Resource Training to Prevent Employment Discrimination in the Workplace
Your company needs to provide employees with policies and procedures in connection with workplace discrimination and employee training to prevent employment discrimination in the workplace. There are damaging consequences for not having strong anti-discrimination policies in place. Your companyshould be providing anti-harassment and anti-discrimination programs to reach all employees and make your workplace safe.
Your Employee Handbook is a critical first step to protect your company. Policies in your Handbook should include, among other things:
- General employment practices and policies related to your workplace
- Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and what the consequences are for not complying with them
- Discipline policies
- Health and Safety policies
- Compensation policies
- Employee Benefits
- Work hours and conditions
- Leave of absence and attendance policies
- Non-disclosure policies
- Communication policies
- Any other policies that affect your specific business and you expect all employees to follow
Specific Forms of Employment Discrimination Laws
The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) is a federal government agency put in place to enforce anti-discrimination laws. Below are some examples this agency enforces to protect employees during the hiring process or while they are employed:
- Title I & Title V of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act
- The Act prohibits employers from discriminating against someone because they have a disability
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended
- This Act prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee due to, among other protected classifications, their sex, national origin, race, or religion
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- This Act protects those employees over the age of 40 from being discriminated against because of their age
There are other anti-discrimination laws in place to protect employees in the workplace. If you have questions about these laws and how they affect your business, contact Danz Law. We can discuss any legal issues you may be facing regarding discrimination and harassment lawsuits in the workplace.
Who to Contact Regarding Employment Discrimination Laws in the Workplace
Danz Law has the knowledge and experience to provide businesses across South Florida with the needed assistance to resolve employee/employer disputes. If you are facing employment discrimination claims, talk to us on how to receive representation to protect your business.