Discrimination Happens: Your Rights As An Employee In The Workplace
When you are an employee at will, this means that your employer can let you go for no reason at all. Montana is the only state in which you can't be fired without a reason after your probationary period is over. While you may be employed at will, this does not mean you have to tolerate discrimination or harassment in the work place. You also can't be fired because you have brought up your concerns, as long as you follow the proper channels. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation, it's time to meet with a discrimination attorney for an initial consultation.
Employment At Will
When you work for an employer, it is probable that they will have a large amount of paperwork for you to sign when you are hired. Most employers make it clear that you are employed at will, and that you can be fired for no reason at all. If your employer makes statements that indicate you can't be fired unless you do something wrong, this may give you some ability to fight against being fired by the employer for no reason.
Understanding Discrimination in the Work Place
While you can be let go from your job for no reason, you can't be fired for a reason that is discriminatory. For example, if your boss finds out that you are homosexual, and you find yourself without a job within days, you can probably prove that you were fired because of discrimination. How long you have been at the job, and your performance during employment can help prove that you were fired once your employer found out about your sexual orientation.
Subtle Policy Changes May Prove Discriminatory
In an effort to cut costs, some employers look to fire employees who are earning the most money. In many cases, these employees are the ones that have been with the company the longest and therefore older than others. If there have been subtle changes in your job description, and you are now unable to perform your duties completely, your employer may be discriminating against you because of your age or disability. When you have been performing the same job for years, and the parameters change, this is often due to your employer trying to hire younger employers at a cheaper rate.
If you believe you are a victim of discrimination at work, contact an attorney, like one from the Law Office of Faye Riva Cohen, P.C., today for an initial consultation.
Share