Discrimination violates CA labor laws

Even though California has labor laws to protect workers, discrimination often happens in the workplace.

There are many forms of discrimination. For instance, if someone has been sexually harassed or treated unfairly due to their sexual orientation or gender, they may want to file a sex discrimination claim.

A woman cannot be fired or be denied work because she is pregnant. Pregnancy discrimination is another violation of the California labor code.

When a person who is treated unfairly or is harassed because they need time off to care for a sick family member, or if they are demoted or have their hours cut, that may be considered family responsibility discrimination. And if a person is denied reasonable accommodations based on their gender, that too is a form of sexual discrimination.

For example, female firefighters in Long Beach recently won a discrimination lawsuit settlement after being forced to change in hallways or use portable toilets for years. The agreement means that 24 stations will be retrofitted to include separate facilities for the female firefighters. In addition, the city agreed to pay the plaintiffs' attorney fees and provide them with appropriate uniforms and gear.

So if a person believes they have been discriminated against by an employer in California, they may have grounds to file a lawsuit in order to stop the offensive behavior and be compensated for their ordeal.