Discrimination in the workplace can manifest itself in myriad ways – from unfair compensation to wrongful termination. But no matter how workplace discrimination presents itself, every instance has one thing in common: it’s illegal. This is why, if you’ve been the victim of discrimination at work, you should speak with a discrimination law firm to understand your options.
It can feel intimidating to stand up for yourself against your employer, but you have rights – and we’ll help you fight for them. At Underdog Law Office, our Portland discrimination attorneys have a proven track record for delivering justice to individuals in cases like yours.
If you’ve been victimized by discrimination from your employer, call us and get a free consultation with an experienced discrimination lawyer.
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination is when an employer makes a decision about your job based on who you are rather than how you work.
Simply put, it is illegal for your employer to take negative action against you—such as in hiring, firing, pay, or promotions—because of a protected part of your identity, like your age, race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
What Types of Discrimination Are Illegal?
Federal employment statutes prohibit numerous forms of discrimination, including those based on race, religion, and sex. Further forms of discrimination are prohibited under Oregon state employment laws, which are among the most stringent in the nation.
The bottom line is that if you’re a member of a protected class, and your employer discriminates against you for that reason, they’ve broken the law. In Oregon, classes that are protected against discrimination by state and federal laws include:
- Race
- Nationality
- Religion
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Disability
- Pregnancy
What Are the Signs of Discrimination in the Workplace?
Workplace discrimination occurs when you’re treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic like your race, gender, age, or religion. Some of the most common forms of discrimination include:
- Hiring discrimination: Being denied a job you’re qualified for because of certain characteristics, such as, for example, an older applicant being rejected based on an assumption they’re not tech-savvy.
- Withheld promotions: Being passed over for a promotion that’s given to a less qualified colleague of a different background.
- Wrongful termination: Being fired for a minor mistake, whereas others of different backgrounds are allowed to make the same mistake without consequences.
- Harassment: Facing a hostile work environment due to offensive jokes or insults about your background.
- Unequal pay: Being paid less than a coworker with the exact same job and performance record because of who you are.
- Retaliation: Being punished, such as a demotion or termination, for exercising your legal rights.
- Denial of reasonable accommodations: When your employer refuses to make simple adjustments for you due to, for example, a disability. Another example might be denying a schedule change that doesn’t disrupt business so you can observe your religious beliefs.
Discrimination Law Firm Serving the Portland Area
Don’t let your employer get away with breaking the law. It’s time to fight back.
Your boss has resources, but so do you – and you also have rights. Our experienced employment lawyers have one focus: fighting for the underdog. We will work hard to hold your employer accountable to get you the justice you deserve.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your discrimination case in the Portland area.
