Have you been the victim of unfair treatment at your place of work because of your sex or gender? Sex-related discrimination practices are unfortunately a concern for many employees in the state of California, but you’re not alone—a Riverside employment lawyer can help.
While there are state laws in place that are designed to protect employees against sex discrimination in the workplace, it still happens. And when you’re met with discrimination at work, this behavior can affect everything from your income to your well-being and more.
However, at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation. Together, we have decades of experience. As your Riverside sex discrimination lawyer, we’re all about putting our clients first. Always!
What Constitutes Sex Discrimination?
Sex discrimination occurs when an employer or co-worker treats someone unfavorably because of their sex. This can involve direct actions or policies that exclude, disadvantage, or penalize someone based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy-related conditions.
These are common examples of sex discrimination:
- Denying promotions or raises based on gender
- Offering unequal pay for substantially similar work
- Engaging in harassment or creating a hostile work environment based on sex
- Failing to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy or childbirth
- Extending unequal opportunities for training, assignments, or career advancement
- Terminating or demoting employees because of gender-related factors
Sex discrimination is prohibited not only by California law but also by federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides broader and more comprehensive protections.
Protections Under California Law
California’s FEHA protects employees from discrimination based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and pregnancy. This law applies to employers with five or more employees, encompassing many workplaces in Riverside.
FEHA specifically prohibits discrimination in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including:
- Hiring
- Firing
- Promotions
- Pay
- Job assignments
- Training
- Benefits
It also forbids harassment or any hostile environment based on sex. Additionally, the law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
This includes modified duties, more frequent breaks, or temporary transfers to less strenuous positions if medically necessary. California’s protections also extend to transgender and gender nonconforming employees, explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on these two factors:
- Gender identity
- Expression
This means employers cannot treat employees unfairly because they transition or do not conform to traditional gender norms.
(310) 526-8383Pay Equity and Gender-Based Wage Discrimination
A very significant aspect of sex discrimination in the workplace relates to pay equity. Despite decades of advocacy, wage disparities between men and women persist nationwide.
California law requires equal pay for employees who perform “substantially similar work” under similar working conditions. The law prohibits employers from paying employees differently based solely on sex or gender.
This applies to:
- Base wages
- Bonuses
- Other forms of compensation
Employers may justify pay differences only if they are based on legitimate factors, such as seniority, merit, quantity or quality of work, or a bona fide factor other than sex. However, these justifications must be applied fairly and consistently.
The California Equal Pay Act—along with FEHA—provides strong enforcement tools to address wage disparities and empower employees to seek redress for unfair pay practices. Your sex discrimination lawyers in Riverside can help you understand how this applies to your case.
Employer Policies and Practices That May Lead to Discrimination
Certain workplace policies and practices can contribute to or exacerbate sex discrimination:
- Dress codes that enforce gender stereotypes
- Unequal parental leave policies
- Inflexible work schedules that disproportionately affect caregivers
- Promotion or evaluation criteria that indirectly disadvantage one gender
- Unequal access to professional development or networking opportunities
In some cases, seemingly neutral policies can have discriminatory effects, which is a concept known as disparate impact. Employers must be mindful to avoid policies that disproportionately harm employees based on sex or related characteristics.
(310) 526-8383Remedies Available for Sex Discrimination Victims
Victims of sex discrimination in Riverside may be entitled to a variety of remedies:
- Back pay for lost wages and benefits
- Front pay if reinstatement is not feasible
- Compensatory damages for emotional distress
- Punitive damages for malicious or willful discrimination
- Reinstatement to the same or comparable position
- Injunctive relief to prevent further discrimination
California law allows for higher damage caps than federal law in some cases, reflecting the state’s strong stance against discrimination. Your Riverside sex discrimination lawyers can help you understand what you might be eligible for based on your circumstances.
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(310) 526-8383 Contact Our Sex Discrimination Law Firm in Riverside Today
If you or someone you love has experienced sex discrimination at work, you don’t have to go through this experience alone. These situations can be incredibly difficult to handle, not only emotionally and physically but also financially and legally.
You’re not expected to carry the weight of this by yourself. That’s where Omega Law Group comes into the picture. Our Riverside sex discrimination attorneys are here to support you, stand up for your rights, and work toward the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you contact our Riverside sex discrimination law firm, the sooner we can hear your story, understand the specifics of your case, and take the first steps toward holding the responsible parties accountable. Call today.
