According to federal and Minnesota law, employers cannot discriminate against workers based on protected characteristics, including gender. While discrimination based on this factor is illegal, it’s not always overt. To build a discrimination claim, one must identify how they’ve been treated differently, and that the mistreatment was based on gender. Here, workers will learn how to tell if they’ve been victimized by workplace gender discrimination.
Discrimination on the Job: Signs to Look For
Being harassed or fired because of your gender isn’t the only way to suffer discrimination. A worker may be able to build a case if a company:
- Refuses to hire or promote them
- Doesn’t give them assignments
- Disciplines them unfairly
- Pays unequally
- Gives negative references
- Refuses to provide proper training
- Asks certain questions during pre-employment screenings
- Offers unjust terms and conditions based on gender
Keep in mind that employers can be held liable for harassment victims suffer at the hands of clients, coworkers, customers, and supervisors, depending on the environment. If you need a good lawyer, give us a call.
What Kind of Gender Discrimination Can Happen at Work?
While most people think of sexual harassment when they envision gender discrimination, the practice takes many forms. Employers are liable for discrimination if an employee is treated unfairly based on their:
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Pregnancy-related needs or conditions
Once a worker sees that they’ve been treated unjustly due to these factors, they can consult an attorney to determine if the mistreatment meets the requirements for a gender discrimination claim.
Proving Gender Discrimination
In some cases, it’s easy to document discrimination by noting the times and dates that offensive comments were made. Victims can also ask for testimony from witnesses and make reports to the company’s human resources department.
Sometimes gender discrimination isn’t obvious. Although a person’s behaviors may not be overtly offensive, they may be held liable for discriminatory conduct if they used company policy to unfairly affect another person based on their gender. It’s important for victims to retain all the paperwork they can, as it will help them build a stronger complaint.
Legal Recourse for Gender Discrimination
Workers who file gender discrimination lawsuits may receive back pay, placement in their previous positions, witness and attorney fees, injunctions against employers, court costs, out-of-pocket expenses, punitive damages, and payment for their pain and suffering.
Are There Any Limitations on Gender-Based Discrimination?
The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) limits compensatory and punitive damages based on the number of employees a company has. Workers can only file claims if they work for companies with 15 or more employees, and they must file within 300 days. By hiring an attorney, a worker will stay within the deadline and get the best chance at justice. Contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment where we’ll evaluate the case and review your legal options.
Find an Attorney Who Will Protect Your Legal Rights and Fight Against Gender Discrimination
Our firm has years of experience in Minnesota and federal employment law. We believe that, with our commitment to client service and our focus on upholding the law, we present ourselves as formidable opponents of unjust workplace practices. When you’ve suffered gender discrimination at work, we can help make things right. Fill out our online form to request information or call today to schedule a consultation with an employment attorney.
