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Job discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly based on a protected characteristic such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. In Cerritos, California, job discrimination is prohibited by federal laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as state laws like the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). These laws protect workers and job seekers from discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, pay, benefits, job assignments, and training.
Many individuals facing job discrimination may not realize they have grounds for a legal claim or may not know how to proceed. You may need a lawyer in situations such as:
An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your rights, file complaints with the appropriate agencies, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary.
Cerritos follows both California state laws and federal laws regarding employment discrimination. The key law in California is the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which provides extensive protections against workplace discrimination and harassment. Under FEHA, it is illegal for employers with five or more employees to discriminate against job applicants or employees based on:
Employers are also required to prevent harassment, provide reasonable accommodations, and avoid retaliatory actions against those who exercise their rights. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the primary agency for handling complaints of job discrimination in Cerritos.
It is considered job discrimination if you are treated differently in your workplace because of a protected characteristic like race, gender, age, religion, disability, or similar traits. This can include hiring, firing, pay differences, demotion, or harassment.
No. Discrimination can occur in many forms including unequal pay, lack of promotion, harassment, wrongful discipline, or denial of benefits, as well as wrongful termination.
No. Retaliation for filing a discrimination complaint or participating in an investigation is illegal under both California law and federal law.
Typically, you must first file an administrative complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before taking legal action in court.
You generally have three years from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint with the DFEH. With the EEOC, the deadline is usually 300 days. Timelines can vary, so it is important to act promptly.
Most employees and job applicants are protected, including temporary workers, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. Employers must have at least five employees for FEHA to apply.
Document the incidents, gather any evidence, and report the issue to your human resources department if available. You can also contact the DFEH or speak with an employment lawyer.
Yes, you may be entitled to remedies such as back pay, reinstatement, compensation for emotional distress, attorney’s fees, and sometimes punitive damages.
You do not need a lawyer to file a claim with DFEH or EEOC, but legal advice can help you navigate the process, understand your rights, and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or workplace that enables an employee with a disability to perform their job duties. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.
If you believe you are experiencing workplace discrimination in Cerritos, here is how you can proceed:
Getting advice from a qualified lawyer ensures your situation is properly evaluated and that your rights are protected throughout the process. Do not delay action if you suspect job discrimination.
