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Employment discrimination happens when a job applicant or an employee is treated unfavorably because of his or her race, skin color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or religion. It can also occur when an employee is harassed in the workplace, or denied a reasonable work accommodation needed because of religious beliefs or disability. Philadelphia, as part of the United States, enforces federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. These laws include the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, the American Disability Act of 1990, among others. The city also has its own Fair Practices Ordinance, providing another layer of protection for employees.
If you've been unfairly treated, harassed or otherwise discriminated against in your job due to your identity or status, you may need a lawyer to help enforce your rights. This can involve filing a complaint with an appropriate government agency, negotiating a settlement with your employer, or, if necessary, filing a lawsuit in court. While it's possible to navigate these processes on your own, they can be complicated and stressful, particularly if you are still working for the discriminatory employer or trying to find new employment.
In addition to federal protections, job discrimination in Philadelphia is further prohibited by Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, which is enforced by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. This local law bans discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and housing. Notably, the Philadelphia law prohibits discrimination based on additional protected characteristics beyond those named in federal laws, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and domestic or sexual violence victim status.
Job discrimination can take many forms, including discriminatory hiring or firing, workplace harassment, pay disparity, unfavorable job assignments, or lack of promotions due to one's protected characteristics.
You should report the incident to your employer or human resources department. If the issue isn't addressed, or if you face retaliation for reporting, you should consult a lawyer or contact a relevant government agency, such as the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.
Choose a lawyer who specializes in employment law, and preferably one with experience in job discrimination cases. Don't be afraid to ask potential lawyers about their experience and success rate.
No, it's illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting discrimination or participating in a discrimination investigation or lawsuit.
If your job discrimination claim is successful, you may receive compensatory damages such as back pay and benefits, compensatory damages for pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages.
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) both provide resources and can help you file complaints. Additionally, organizations like the ACLU of Pennsylvania and Equal Rights Advocates offer resources and assistance.
If you've experienced job discrimination and need legal assistance, consult an employment lawyer, file a complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations or EEOC, and gather any evidence relating to your case including emails, witness statements, performance reviews, etc.
