Gender Discrimination Attorneys

Gender discrimination in the workplace can affect hiring, pay, promotions, job assignments, termination, and other aspects of employment. Federal and California laws generally prohibit employers from making employment decisions based on sex, gender, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics.

If you believe you have experienced gender discrimination at work, an employment attorney in Los Angeles can help you understand your rights and determine what legal options may be available.

Equal Pay Act and Pregnancy Discrimination Act

Besides Title VII, there are two other federal laws that protect you from gender discrimination. The Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from paying women a different wage than other workers, while the Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects pregnant women from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Because both of these laws are at the federal level, a government agency known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is responsible for enforcing them.

To file a gender discrimination lawsuit against your employer, you must first file a claim with the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate your allegations and either file a lawsuit against your employer on your behalf or give you permission to find an attorney and file a lawsuit on your own.

Retaliation

Employees should not have to fear losing their jobs or facing other negative treatment because they reported workplace discrimination or participated in an investigation.

Federal and California laws generally protect employees from retaliation for engaging in legally protected activity. This may include reporting discrimination to an employer, participating in an internal investigation, filing a complaint with a government agency, or supporting another employee’s discrimination complaint in certain circumstances.

Retaliation can take different forms, including termination, demotion, reduced hours, disciplinary action, undesirable assignments, or other adverse employment actions.

If you believe your employer retaliated against you after you reported gender discrimination, an employment lawyer can help you evaluate the timing and circumstances of what happened.

Examples of Gender Discrimination

Potential examples of gender discrimination include:

Unequal pay for substantially equal work
Being denied a promotion because of gender
Hiring or promotion practices that favor one gender
Sexist or discriminatory comments
Being given fewer responsibilities because of gender
Being held to different workplace standards
Being denied opportunities because of pregnancy
Unlawful sexual harassment
Gender-based workplace policies or practices
Retaliation after reporting gender discrimination

A pattern of discriminatory treatment may also create barriers to advancement, sometimes described as a “glass ceiling.” Whether particular conduct is unlawful depends on the facts and applicable law.

Contact Shegerian Conniff Today

Gender discrimination can affect your career, income, workplace relationships, and future opportunities. If you believe your employer has treated you differently because of your gender, pregnancy, or another protected characteristic, consider documenting what happened and preserving relevant employment records.

The Los Angeles employment attorneys at Shegerian Conniff represent employees facing workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment law violations. An experienced employment law firm in Los Angeles can help you understand your rights and potential legal remedies.

If you believe you have experienced gender discrimination, contact Shegerian Conniff today to discuss your situation in a free and confidential consultation with experienced Los Angeles employment lawyers.