Employers are responsible for following state and federal employment laws, but unfortunately, many employers don’t. If you believe that you are facing discrimination or retaliation in the workplace, understanding your rights can help you seek compensation for your employer’s wrongdoing. Our California employment law attorneys explain which California laws protect you from discrimination.
California Laws that Prohibit Workplace Discrimination
California laws protect workers from discrimination and retaliation in the workplace, so it is important for employees to understand their rights. In fact, California has some of the strictest workplace discrimination laws in the country. If you are experiencing discrimination in the workplace, the California law protects you.
Below we have put together a list of the California laws that protect you against discrimination:
- California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): The California Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA) is the primary law that extends protection from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. Every company with five or more full-time employees is required to follow the FEHA anti-discriminatory laws. Employers are prohibited from displaying discriminatory behavior to all business practices, including advertisements, working conditions, promoting, and more.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Although this is a federal law, it is still applicable to California workers. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, disability, or national origin.
- Americans with Disability Act (ADA): This is another federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. To be protected by the ADA, you must have a disability or relationship with an individual with a disability.
- Equal Pay Act: This is another labor law that eliminates wage disparity based on sex. It essentially requires employers to give equal pay to men and women in the same workplace--the pay doesn’t have to be identical, but it must be substantially equal.
If you are experiencing discrimination in the workplace, you have state and federal laws that protect you. Contact our California employment law attorneys today at (888) 796-4010 or reach out to our firm online to schedule a consultation!