One of the most pervasive forms of workplace discrimination is that of harassment. Both state and federal law prohibit workplace discrimination, and establish “protected classes” or groups that enjoy legal protection from discriminatory behavior. The federal law prohibiting workplace discrimination is known as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the analogous California law is the California Fair Housing and Employment Act. Several other state and federal laws may be implicated in harassment cases, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.
Video: California Hostile Work Environment
There are many forms that workplace harassment can take, and it is important to consult with an experienced LA employment law attorney to determine if and against whom you may have a claim. Some of the more common reasons for impermissible workplace harassment include:
Not all offensive conduct rises to the level of harassment. In order for harassing conduct to be actionable, it must be of such severity that it creates a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment exists when the offensive conduct interferes with an employee’s work performance or ability to their job. In Los Angeles, employers can be held liable for the conduct of supervisors and employees, and victims can be anyone who has been affected by the offensive conduct. Some of the kinds of conduct that may be considered harassing include:
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Offensive comments
- Using racial slurs or other racial commentary
- Discussing an employee’s religious beliefs in a negative manner
- Commentary regarding age
- Uncomfortable or inappropriate physical contact
- Inappropriate jokes
These are just a few examples of the type of conduct that may rise to the level of harassment in the workplace. It is important for anyone who believes that they had been the victim of harassment to consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible after the incident. Workplace discrimination cases are extremely time sensitive, and any delay may result in you losing your ability to file a claim. The lawyers of HKM Employment Attorneys have almost 40 years of combined employment law experience, and represent a wide variety of clients.
Call a Los Angeles employment law attorney today to obtain legal counsel and representation for any employment law issue you may be facing.
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