Employment discrimination isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s unlawful, and you can hold your employer accountable. But sometimes, determining whether a harsh act is discrimination can be challenging. Employers make hiring decisions at their discretion, so how can you be sure discrimination is at play?
Understanding a few tell-tale signs of employment discrimination can help you identify this wrongful act within your workplace. If you think your employer has discriminated against you, contact a Florida employment lawyer for legal help.
Lack of Diversity
Employers have a responsibility to consider all qualified candidates for employment. But if you’ve noticed a lack of diversity within your workplace, especially in higher-up positions, this could indicate that your employer is discriminating against minority groups.
This sign shows itself when an employer continually passes over employees in minority groups for promotions, even though they are just as qualified as the other candidates.
Derogatory Comments
Making jokes or comments about a person’s race, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected characteristics is never appropriate, especially within the workplace.
Even if an employer frames these comments as harmless, they could be an underlying sign of workplace discrimination.
Unequal Pay
A Florida employment lawyer will tell you that employees with the same position, experience, and qualifications should have the same pay rate. But if an employer pays one of your coworkers more than you, this could be a sign of discrimination.
Your employer may try to prevent you from discussing pay with your fellow employees. This is against federal law. Suppose your employer tries to retaliate against you for having these conversations. In that case, you can report them to the National Labor Relations Board or a similar board within the state of Florida.
Favoritism
Favoritism in itself is not always unlawful, but it becomes an illegal employment action when an employer favors an employee based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or age.
For example, maybe your boss has commented that they prefer collaborating with your male coworkers and will more frequently invite men to conferences than women.
Illegal Interview Questions
Discriminating against a job candidate based on sex, age, race, religion, or other protected characteristics is illegal in the United States. As such, employers cannot ask you about personal details related to these characteristics during an interview, as doing so could indicate that they are using your answers to determine your eligibility for the job.
For example, an employer cannot ask, “Do you have kids?” If they do, you are not obligated to answer, and you may choose to consult a Florida employment lawyer about your rights.
Unexplained Role Changes
If your employer decides to change your position or responsibilities, they need a clear, valid explanation. Unexplained role changes could indicate your employer is discriminating against you.
For example, your employer cannot change your role when you become pregnant without cause. Neither can they move you to a less favorable position for no apparent reason. Making these changes could be a way for your employer to force you to quit; that way, they don’t have to fire you and risk a wrongful termination claim.
Experiencing Employment Discrimination? Seek Assistance From Qualified Employment Attorneys
Employment discrimination could give you grounds for legal action against your employer, in which you seek financial compensation for your lost wages and emotional distress. Our Florida employment lawyers at Mark J. Berkowitz, P.A., have represented numerous victims of employment discrimination and can help maximize your compensation.
Call us today at 954-527-0570 to schedule an appointment with a Florida employment lawyer.