Sex discrimination is a real problem in the American workplace. Aside from the pay gap between men and women, you may notice that only members of a certain gender are promoted, while everyone else doesn’t receive the same opportunity despite their level of experience.
If you face sex discrimination while working in Boston, then HKM Employment Attorneys is in your corner. With years of experience in employment law, we have the know-how needed to guide you through the process of seeking the fair treatment and justice you deserve.
What is Gender Discrimination?
Although used interchangeably, there is a difference between one’s gender and sex. Gender refers to identity presentation through appearance, speech, and clothing. Sex refers to biological aspects of maleness or femaleness.
That said, it’s illegal to discriminate against an employee in the workplace based on either their sex or gender identity. Gender discrimination is the act of mistreating an employee based on either their gender identity or sex.
What Are Some Examples of Gender Discrimination?
Common examples of sex or gender discrimination in the workplace include:
Unfair hiring, firing, or promotions
You help a colleague set up their payroll, only to notice that despite having less experience and poor work ethic, they receive a higher salary than you for the same job position. After discussions with other workers, you notice a pattern of male colleagues receiving higher pay than female employees for the exact same job.
This is a common example of sex discrimination in the workplace. If your employer gives preferential treatment to one group when it comes to promotions, hiring, or firing, then you should consult with an employment lawyer to learn what evidence you should gather to support your claim.
Pay cuts
You have worked your way to the top from a junior position, but a new female employee gets hired with minimal experience and still gets paid more than you. Or you learn you were moved to an unfavorable position so that a female colleague can be hired, and they make considerably more than you once did. Both of these scenarios could be examples of sex or gender discrimination.
Benefits
Your male colleagues enjoy health insurance coverage for their spouses, while the company doesn’t provide your spouse with coverage under the assumption that he will have his own.
If this situation sounds familiar to you, then a sex discrimination lawyer like those at HKM Employment Attorneys can help. After an initial consultation, we’ll guide you through the process of filing a formal complaint or filing a claim with the human rights commission.
Equal compensation
Massachusetts became the first state in the country to pass an equal pay law in 1945.
In 2018, Massachusetts updated its Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (MEPA), stating that employers cannot pay workers less than what they pay employees of a different gender for comparable work. Yet the gender pay gap remains in the commonwealth and all over the U.S.
If you suspect you’re being paid less than a coworker of a different gender for similar work, contact us.
What Law Covers Gender Discrimination?
Employees are protected from gender and sex discrimination under the Title VII of The Civil Rights Act. Title VII makes it illegal for any employee to discriminate against any person during hiring, firing, or allotting promotions and raises based on their sex.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) handles cases involving equal treatment in the workplace. The commission oversees harassment claims and discrimination linked with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Your attorney will be able to advise you on which laws apply to you and whether or not you have a strong case for discrimination.
What Kind of Lawyer Handles Sex Discrimination?
Employment lawyers are your best resource for dealing with a workplace sex discrimination case. They’ll use years of experience to help you decide whether to file a claim or seek a settlement with your employer.
Why Should I Choose HKM Employment Attorneys?
If you feel wronged by your employer in Boston, give HKM Employment Attorneys a call. Our law practice focuses solely on employment law, and we can use that experience to act as your advocate as you file a sex discrimination complaint or gather information for a lawsuit. Reach out to us today to get started with an initial consultation. Our attorneys are available and ready to listen to the details of your case.
