Minorities, women, and the disabled face an uphill battle in their daily personal lives as well as in the workplace. It is no secret that, on average, women make far less than men for the same jobs, African Americans are often denied employment due to racism, and Muslims face hostile work environments due to their religious beliefs. It is your right, however, to fight back against any form of workplace discrimination because the hostility that you have been subjected to is unlawful. Your employer must be held responsible in civil court for the damages that they have caused or have let happen. The HKM Employment Attorneys take all matters of workplace discrimination very seriously, and we do everything in our power to seek maximum financial compensation and other forms of retribution for our clients.
The Human Rights Act of Pennsylvania
According to the Pennsylvania Human Rights Act, employers are strictly forbidden to make employment decisions based on any of the following personal characteristics of their employees or job applicants:
- Race;
- Color;
- Religion;
- Creed;
- Ancestry;
- Sex;
- Age (if over 40);
- National origin;
- Handicap;
- Disability;
- Relationship to a person with a disability;
- Having a GED instead of a high school diploma; and
- Use of a guide or support animal due to blindness, deafness, or a physical handicap, or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals.
In hospital employment, it is also illegal to discriminate against an employee or applicant based on their willingness or unwillingness to participate in sterilizations or abortions. It is also against the law to discriminate or retaliate against whistleblowers, which is another area of practice in our law firm.
What Constitutes Workplace Discrimination?
Discrimination is any practice by which an employer uses the applicant or employee’s protected characteristics to make an employment decision, as opposed to using the employee or applicant’s qualifications and experience. Discrimination can happen anytime throughout the hiring or employment process, from recruiting to firing. It is unlawful to discriminate in any of the following ways, according to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commision:
- Recruiting or promoting the position;
- Hiring;
- Job termination;
- Refusing promotions;
- Denying equal opportunities, including opportunities for continued education;
- Providing different work terms, conditions, or benefits;
- Refusing reasonable accommodations;
- Denying equal pay, bonuses, or raises;
- Denying vacation time, overtime, or unpaid time off;
- Harassment; and
- Creating a hostile work environment.
Fighting Back Against Workplace Discrimination
With over 40 years of experience winning large discrimination claims, the lawyers here at HKM Employment Attorneys have the knowledge, resources, and ability to see justice done. We focus specifically on employment law and only defend employees. This provides us the ability to take on cases that others cannot, and gives us an unmatched ability in and out of the courtroom.
Our Pennsylvania Workplace Discrimination Attorneys can Help
It may seem hard to believe at this point, but you do have the ability to create change. If an employer has wronged you due to sexism, racism, or xenophobia, it is time to contact an attorney who will ensure that justice is done. Call our Pennsylvania HKM Employment Attorneys today for help.
