HAVE YOU BEEN HARASSED AT YOUR BAY AREA JOB BECAUSE OF YOUR RACE OR NATIONAL ORIGIN?
Many people may know that discrimination at work based on your race or national origin is illegal. However, did you know that it is also illegal for someone to harass you based on these characteristics? Often times, workplace harassment and discrimination are linked. If you have experienced either, you may have an employment law claim. For example, a “hostile work environment” is a type of harassment that is illegal. This type of harassment applies to harassment based on sex, race, national origin, ethnicity, and other protected classes. A “hostile environment” is basically a work environment that makes a worker feel uncomfortable because they belong to a particular group of people. This harassment is only actionable if it is in relation to a “protected class” such as race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. The conduct that makes the workplace “hostile” must be “offensive.” The discrimination must also be severe and pervasive. Constant use of racial slurs is an example of “severe and pervasive” harassment.
Harassment based on race is sadly not uncommon. For example, Nordstrom – a large department store – recently agreed to pay $292,500 to ten former employees who alleged they were harassed by the store manager because of their race, national origin, and color. The lawsuit was filed by the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC). According to the lawsuit, the manager said she “hated Hispanics,” that Hispanics were “lazy” and “ignorant,” and also made derogatory comments about Black workers. The workers alleged they were fired after complaining about the harassment.
If you have been a victim of harassment at work because of your race, color, national origin, etc. you may have an employment law claim. Call the experienced employment attorneys Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO or 1-800-252-9776. Call us for a free consultation. You can also visit us at www.discriminationattorney.com to learn more. We can help you!
