Issues in the workplace can make it difficult to want to go to work. Of course, most people cannot simply leave their job due to uncomfortable feelings at work, so they may feel that they have to put up with mistreatment. However, if they are facing discrimination on the job, they may want to remember that various laws protect workers from such treatment and that reporting it may be beneficial.
In Washington, D.C., and across the country, the following laws are intended to protect against discriminatory actions in the workplace:
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
- Rehabilitation Act (disability claims by government employees)
- The Equal Pay Act
- Whistleblower laws
- State and local laws that are similar to these federal laws
These protections may seem vast, but some employers may not adhere to these laws as they should. If not, workers could face hostile treatment, unfair conduct and other damaging behavior simply due to a protected characteristic, such as race, pregnancy, gender, age or for having protested illegal conduct in the workplace. If workers are facing illegal treatment, they may want to keep records of the incidents, ask others to support their claims, talk to an attorney, and file complaints as soon as possible after the incident or incidents.
Far too often workers in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere may feel as if they have to endure discrimination or retaliation for the sake of keeping their job. However, there are often various legal remedies that individuals could pursue if they believe they are facing illegal conduct in the workplace. If bringing the problem to the attention of management or human resources does not garner the necessary results, taking legal action may be warranted.
