Workplace discrimination is a silent problem at too many companies. Employers take adverse employment actions for illegal reasons, but many workers are left in the dark. You might be wondering, “Do I need an attorney to pursue a workplace harassment or discrimination claim?” Call The Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi if you have questions about workplace discrimination. We can review what you know and analyze whether you have a legal claim. Below, our New Jersey workplace discrimination lawyer identifies red flags that warrant more investigation.
You Were Treated Differently from Employees in Similar Roles
For example, you might:
- Receive less pay
- Receive fewer benefits
- Get passed over for promotion
- Receive fewer training opportunities
- Be transferred against your will
Your employer might have taken this adverse action because of a prohibited characteristic, such as your race, age, sex, disability, religion, or national origin, among other things.
The key is to compare yourself to workers who are similarly situated. For example, you might have been passed up for a promotion and wonder if it was because you are a woman. However, the man who got the job could have much more experience or education than you do. That might be a legitimate reason to pass you over.
Conversely, if you are one of six women fired, and no men were fired, then you could be the victim of discrimination. Call our office to discuss whether you could bring a wrongful termination claim.
Your Boss Makes Biased Statements
Hearing a biased statement might not be enough, on its own, to bring a harassment claim. However, it warrants more investigation because it could be a sign that you have suffered discriminatory treatment.
Did your boss use slurs or epithets or make sexist or racist comments? If so, those might explain why you were passed over for promotion or disciplined. By talking with other employees, we might find out your boss has a habit of making biased statements.
Your Boss Cannot Explain the Reasoning Behind Their Decision
If you were demoted, fired, or suffered a cut in pay, then your employer should be able to explain why. As an example, you could have performed poorly over the past year, so your boss demoted you. That would be a legitimate reason.
However, if your boss is struggling to find the words, then they could be hiding a discriminatory intent. Contact our office so we can dig deeper.
The Timing is Suspicious
Some workers suffer termination right after informing their boss they are pregnant or after disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity. Still other workers are terminated or demoted after blowing the whistle on illegal conduct, such as lodging a harassment complaint or participating in a government investigation.
The timing suggests that your employer is retaliating against you. By itself, the timing might simply be coincidental, but a lawyer can investigate.
Call Our Paramus Employment Lawyer to Schedule a Consultation
The Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi has been fighting employment discrimination for decades. We have won many cases for workers suffering from bias. Call our office to speak with a New Jersey employment lawyer in a private meeting.
