Discrimination in the workplace, as elsewhere, is against both state and federal laws. The workplace discrimination attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates provide highly knowledgeable legal counsel and representation to individuals who feel that they may have been discriminated against based on, (for example) their:
- Age
- Arrest or conviction record
- Disability
- Domestic violence victim status
- Ethnicity
- Familial status (e.g., being a parent, or being pregnant)
- Gender (male, female)
- Legal status (e.g., non-citizenship)
- Marital status
- Military status (including an upcoming deployment)
- National origin
- Predisposing genetic characteristics
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual preference
Discrimination Based on One’s Membership in a Socially Distinct Group
Discrimination is negative treatment of a person based on his/her membership in a socially distinct group such as those listed above. Employment discrimination takes many forms, such as:
- An employee’s suspension, termination, or transfer to a less desirable job or work location
- Harassment (verbal, physical, sexual) from senior personnel and/or other employees
- Denial of a promotion, medical or family leave
- Denial of training
- Hiring decisions
- Cut in pay or benefits
- Purposeful withholding of important job information by the employer
- Nonpayment or underpayment (including for overtime)
- Decreased bonus or other benefits
- Being forced to retire
State and Federal Laws Prohibit Discrimination in the Workplace
The State of New York’s Human Rights Law—the first such state law in the U.S.—prohibits discrimination in employment. Many cities (including New York City) and the federal government also have laws in place that penalize workplace discrimination. The federal Acts that may pertain to an individual’s unique circumstances may include laws such as:
- The Civil Rights Act
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- The Immigration and Nationality Services Act
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
Experienced and Knowledgeable Discrimination Attorneys
In light of the plethora of state and federal laws that may apply to a given case of employment discrimination, it’s very important to have the counsel and representation of a law firm with the right experience. The employment law attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates are highly skilled and experienced at protecting the rights of individuals who have suffered from workplace discrimination.
If you suspect or feel that you have experienced discrimination at your workplace, please contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates to speak with a qualified attorney who can help you. Our lawyers have the experience and the knowledge to handle your case quickly and efficiently. To schedule a discussion of your case, contact our law offices today.
