You work hard every day just like everyone else, and you are good at your job. Yet, you are treated differently in the workplace due to your gender or sexual orientation. When opportunities arise, you are overlooked simply because of who you are, not based on your skill level.
That isn’t fair, and it isn’t legal. California has laws meant to protect people from unfair actions that violate their civil rights. Our sex discrimination lawyers in Santa Rosa can investigate your situation and work to hold your employer accountable for how they have treated you.
Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys has protected the workplace rights of Californians since 2016. We succeed by putting our clients first. Always. Call for your free consultation and learn how our employment lawyers in Santa Rosa can help.
Sex Discrimination in California
Discrimination can happen during almost any phase of employment. You may have been overlooked for a promotion, or you may not receive the same pay as a coworker of the opposite sex, even though you do the same work. Sex discrimination involves unfair treatment based on:
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender
- Gender identify
- Gender expression
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
If you have experienced discrimination based on these factors or any other related to your sex, gender, or identity, reach out to our sex discrimination attorneys in Santa Rosa. Even though your workplace may make it feel like you have no options, the law is on your side.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
It’s hard to know how your employer will react if you level sex discrimination accusations against them. They may deny everything and look for ways to disprove your claim, or they might even retaliate against you. That’s illegal, of course, but it happens anyway.
You shouldn’t have to be afraid of speaking up when your rights have been violated. Our legal team will understand how to proceed while protecting your civil rights and preventing your employer from sweeping your concerns under the rug.
Throughout the investigation, we will find out what happened. If your employer refuses to address your complaint and remedy the situation, we will seek the right to file a civil lawsuit on your behalf.
Laws that Prohibit Sex Discrimination in California
Several national and state-specific laws are meant to address various forms of sex discrimination in California. These include:
- The California Fair Employment and Housing Act applies to companies with five or more employees and prohibits workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on protected characteristics.
- The California Equal Pay Act requires employers to pay workers equally when they do similar work. It prevents pay differences based on gender or other factors when employees do the same or a similar job.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to employers with 15 or more employees. It makes it illegal to discriminate against employees based on sex or gender identity.
- Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year to care for serious health issues or to support their family. This leave is protected, meaning you cannot lose your job for taking it.
- California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law allows employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions to take up to four months of protected leave. During this leave, employers must keep health benefits active and return employees to the same job or a similar one.
Important Actions for Sex Discrimination Victims
Your employer may want you to feel powerless about your situation and the way you have been treated, but you are not. You can take action and hold them accountable. Crucial steps include:
- Contact our Santa Rosa sex discrimination lawyers to protect your rights, prevent you from making common errors, and help you prove discrimination in the workplace.
- Notify a supervisor, the HR department, or follow your company’s complaint procedures to address the issue if you haven’t already.
- File a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
- Request a Right to Sue Notice and file a civil lawsuit.
Talk to Our Sex Discrimination Attorneys in Santa Rosa
Some forms of workplace sex discrimination are obvious, while others are more subtle. You may have raised concerns in the past, only to be tricked into believing it’s all in your head. If you believe you have been treated unfairly by your employer, you have the right to be heard.
California and national laws make it illegal for your employer to treat you differently and deny you opportunities based on things like sex and gender identity. Our sex discrimination attorneys in Santa Rosa will help you stand up for your rights and hold your employer accountable.
Our legal team at Omega Law Group is here for those who have been harmed and discriminated against in the workplace. When you need support, let our family take care of your family. Call today for your free consultation and tell us about the treatment you are receiving.