Some workers, especially those in skilled trades, enjoy the benefits of large organizations that protect their rights directly. For example, the California Labor Federation represents over two million working people in the state. However, we know that not everybody enjoys the same protection. At Jay S. Rothman & Associates, we are proud to step in and represent clients who do not have large, state-wide organizations backing them up.
Can men be victims of sexual harassment?
When you generally think of sexual harassment occurring in the workplace, you may envision men making inappropriate comments or gestures toward their women coworkers or employees. However, a greater number of men are coming forward as victims of sexual harassment at work. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, men accounted for 11 percent of all sexual harassment claims in 1997. That number has increased to 16.3 percent and some say is low, due to the fact that men who are being harassed are often hesitant to come forward with this information.
What constitutes an adverse employment action?
When you are a California employee, your employer must provide you with a safe and healthy workplace free from various types of discrimination. One of the things your employer cannot do is take any action against you that inhibits your right, or the rights of your co-workers, to report discrimination to supervisors and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC considers any such action your employer takes either before or after you make a discrimination complaint as an adverse employment action.
Religious discrimination within the workplace
The choice to practice a religion is your own decision. The right to practice your own religion, or no religion at all, is protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution. Religious discrimination may occur in your workplace when an employer or coworker treats a person harshly because of his or her religious beliefs. Treating someone differently because they married an individual that associates with a religion can also be a form of discrimination.
Recognizing workplace retaliation
As someone who earns a living working in California, you have certain rights, and one of them involves your right to call attention to harassment, discrimination and wrongdoing within your place of business without having to fear for your job. When your employer, supervisor or someone else at your place of business treats you unfavorably because you took such action, he or she may be guilty of employment retaliation, and you may be able to hold that employer accountable. At the office of Jay S. Rothman & Associates, we have a firm understanding of what constitutes workplace retaliation, and we have helped many victims of this type of behavior pursue appropriate recourse.
