Washington state law protects all people from discriminatory and unfair practices in the workplace. Unfortunately, many employers participate in workplace discrimination, sometimes unknowingly, against employees and job applicants. If you are experiencing issues at work due to discrimination, call Emery | Reddy, PLLC for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how we may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
Types of Workplace Discrimination
In today’s diverse workforce, workplace discrimination remains a significant challenge, with individuals facing various forms of bias and prejudice based on factors such as race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and religion. From subtle microaggressions to overt acts of exclusion, these discriminatory practices not only harm individuals but also undermine the core principles of fairness and equality in the workplace. The major types of discrimination that occur in Washington state include:
- Age (40 and above),
- Color,
- Disability,
- Gender identity,
- Genetic information,
- National origin,
- Pregnancy or parenthood,
- Race,
- Religion, and
- Sexual orientation.
What Does Discrimination in the Workplace Look Like?
Here are some examples:
- Listing preferred candidates in a job advertisement or excluding potential job applicants based on race, age, gender, etc.
- Denying compensation, benefits, or promotions to certain employees, or demonstrating bias when conducting layoffs
- Paying different salaries to employees in the same position with similar qualifications
- Assigning abnormal leave for a disability, workplace injury, parental leave, or denying retirement options
- Making it difficult to use company facilities, or outright denying access
If you’ve experienced any of these situations, it’s important to contact an experienced Workplace Discrimination Attorney to help protect your rights.
Discrimination during the Hiring Process
Employment discrimination can also happen during the hiring process. You could potentially lose out on appropriate compensation, be denied a transfer or promotion, and more. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against job applicants based on their race, gender, pregnancy, religion, or any other part of their identity that qualifies them as part of a protected class. Additionally, employers cannot ask you certain questions or deny access to information, such as salary or benefits.
Discrimination vs. Harassment
Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on certain protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. In Washington state, discrimination in the workplace is prohibited by both state and federal laws, including the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employers are legally obligated to provide equal opportunities and treatment to all employees, regardless of their protected status.
On the other hand, harassment involves unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment for an individual or group. This conduct may include verbal, physical, or visual actions that target protected characteristics, such as derogatory comments, offensive jokes, or unwanted advances. Washington state law prohibits harassment based on the same protected characteristics as discrimination, and employers have a duty to prevent and address harassment in the workplace.
Emery | Reddy Can Help You with Your Discrimination Claim
If you have tried to work things out with your employer and nothing has been done, then it’s time to consult with an experienced Seattle Employment and Labor Law attorney. Employment and Labor Law is complicated and can be overwhelming for anyone not familiar with it. Trying to hold a company accountable for bad business practices requires a skilled attorney to navigate the different laws and tactics an employer may use.
Emery | Reddy has over eight decades of experience in Employment and Labor Law and an unmatched record of helping Washington state workers get the justice they deserve in labor violations. Call for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how we may able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
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If you’re struggling with a Washington state L&I claim, or legal issue at work, call us for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist to learn more about how Emery | Reddy may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
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