DISCRIMINATION

Generally speaking, employers feel that if they meet the requirements laid down under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) they are covered. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination based on age, race, religion, national origin or color. This included discrimination in hiring, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, promotion and nearly all other aspects of employment.

 

NEW LAWS IMPACT MANY BUSINESS OWNERS

Over the last several years, there have been several new anti-discrimination laws that were designed to prevent workplace discrimination on the basis of gender identity, sexual identity and sexual preference. One of the most comprehensive laws is in place in New York City, which is known as the New York City Human Rights Law and impacts businesses in all five boroughs.

 

The rules under these laws include many of the equal employment laws but also go further and include discrimination based on national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (as a disability), marital or partnership status, as well as protections based on arrest and conviction records, victim status pertaining to domestic violence and stalking, and unemployment status. These laws apply to all employees, including interns.

 

EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS

Victims of discrimination are often embarrassed to seek assistance. However, as experts in discrimination laws, Solomon Richman, P.C. can review your case and advise you of the best way to proceed. Some of the reasons you may feel like you were a victim of discrimination include:

• Refusal to hire – – if you feel you were not hired because of any of the rules that apply under New York laws or the federal EEOC rules, you have the right to pursue a case against the employer.

• Refusal to promote – employees who feel they were passed over for a promotion based on one of the covered discrimination statutes should consider filing suit against their employer.

• Unlawful firing – under New York law, all employment is considered to be “at-will.” However, you may have grounds for an unlawful firing suit if your employer has a policy of firing people based on grounds that are covered under discrimination laws in New York or on a federal level.

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EMPLOYER PROTECTIONS

Sometimes, there will be instances in which an employer that has abided by discrimination laws is nevertheless sued by an employee who believes otherwise. Solomon Richman, P.C. also offers assistance to employers who are facing a discrimination suit filed by an employee. We know that most employers abide by all discrimination laws and there are times when business decisions are made that employees do not want to accept.

At Solomon Richman, P.C. we encourage employees and employers alike to contact us if you are dealing with discrimination issues. In many cases, the differences between employees and employers can be worked out amicably through arbitration or mediation. Do not wait until things get out of control. Call Solomon Richman, P.C. at (516) 437-6443 and schedule a consultation with one of our employment discrimination attorneys today. We provide cost-effective legal assistance in all areas of employment law.