What Is Employment Discrimination?

Unfortunately, being judged or treated differently because of who you are is a problem that still exists in many workplaces. According to Massachusetts law, employers may not discriminate against employees based on “race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, mental illness, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, active military personnel, and genetics.”  Employers also have a legal obligation to provide parental leave to biological and adoptive parents.

When an employer bases an employment decision on one of these protected characteristics instead of considering a person’s qualifications and experience, it may be considered employment discrimination. If you believe you have been a victim of workplace discrimination or harassment, we can evaluate your claim and determine the most effective course of action to find justice for the wrongs you have suffered.

Types Of Employment Discrimination

From hiring to firing, discrimination can happen any time throughout the employment process. Generally, employment discrimination is illegal when it comes to:

• Recruiting or promoting a job position
• Hiring
• Firing or termination
• Employee promotions
• Offering equal opportunities, such as continued education
• Providing different work benefits, terms, or conditions
• Offering equal pay, bonuses, or raises
• Providing vacation time, overtime, or unpaid time off
• Refusing reasonable accommodations for a disability
• Sexual harassment
• Creating a hostile work environment

Employer Retaliation

Federal and state employment laws also prohibit employers from engaging in retaliatory behavior against employees who file complaints or lawsuits against their employer. An employer may not terminate, demote, harass, deny promotion, alter benefits, change job assignments, or force an employee to take unpaid leave if they file a lawsuit or complaint for employment discrimination. If you have dealt with retaliation in the workplace, you may be entitled to additional damages in an employment discrimination settlement or award.

Fighting Against Employment Discrimination

Our employment discrimination lawyers at Connor & Moreau, LLP have a proven track record of success helping clients fight back against workplace discrimination. We are well-versed in federal and state laws that offer varying degrees of protection for employees, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The United States Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws against discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) investigates and prosecutes complaints of discrimination in the Commonwealth. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling employment discrimination cases involving these and other federal and state agencies and courts.

Steps To Take If You Are A Victim Of Employment Discrimination

Before filing a workplace discrimination claim, it is important to understand that you must provide evidence to prove you have suffered discrimination on the job. Taking these steps can help you document incidences of harassment or discrimination and back up your claim:

Keep a record of discriminatory or offensive behavior. Create a journal that includes the time, date, location, and description of what occurred. Make sure to include the names of anyone who witnessed the incident. It is also a good idea to write down how the harassment or discrimination affects you and your daily life.

Report the discrimination or harassment. If you have attempted to address offensive behavior with someone and it does not stop, report it to your company’s management and HR department. Making a discrimination complaint can show your employer that you mean business and push them to investigate and resolve it in a timely manner.

Watch out for retaliation. Sadly, many employees who report discrimination to their employers are faced with retaliation. If you have experienced retaliation, make sure to add detailed notes about it in your journal.

Contact an attorney. If your employer is unresponsive or has retaliated against you, it is best to contact an attorney and make a formal complaint with the EEOC. Our employment discrimination attorneys can guide you through the process and ensure your rights and interests are protected.

Schedule A Consultation With An Employment Discrimination Lawyer

Our team at Connor & Morneau, LLP is committed to making things right for those who have suffered employment discrimination or harassment. Our office is conveniently located in Springfield, MA. We serve clients in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Berkshire, and Worcester counties and throughout New England. To schedule a consultation with an employment discrimination attorney, contact us online or call our office at 413-455-1730. We look forward to serving your legal needs.