San Bernardino Workplace Discrimination Attorneys
California firm handles cases involving all types of alleged employment bias
Workplace discrimination is prohibited by Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Law of 1964, by California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and by other state and federal laws. However, understanding exactly what constitutes unlawful discrimination can be difficult. The knowledgeable lawyers at Granowitz, White & Weber in San Bernardino provide advice and advocacy to clients, both employees and employers, in a full range of employment discrimination claims.
Race and color discrimination
Disparate treatment attributable to race, color, ancestry, national origin, or ethnic background is widespread but often hard to prove. Retaining an experienced employment attorney once you suspect a problem gives you the best chance at achieving justice. We understand how a stray comment or a shift in work assignment could be indicative of racial discrimination. If the bias you experienced resulted in a discharge, you may bring a wrongful termination claim to recover the income you lost, any reduction in salary you suffered after getting a new job, and possibly also emotional distress damages, plus other remedies.
Gender and sexual discrimination
California law goes beyond the federal standard for sex and gender discrimination. Workers here are protected against bias based on their sex and gender, actual or perceived sexual orientation, and gender identity and gender expression. Men, women, transgender and nonbinary individuals can bring claims if they are mistreated on the job. Some sex discrimination actions arise from Fair Pay Act violations and from situations where an employer prevents workers of a certain gender from obtaining a supervisory position or performing a particular task.
Age discrimination
Federal and state employment laws prohibit discriminating against workers 40 years or older based on their age. There are many potential indications that this type of bias might be occurring. Job postings sometimes emphasize that a position is intended for a “recent college graduate,” while assignments for existing employees might reflect stereotypes about older individuals. For example, younger workers are frequently given tasks involving the use of newer technologies. If you have suffered an adverse job action and you believe that your age might be a reason, our attorneys can go beyond the employer’s explanation and assess if an age discrimination claim exists.
Disability and pregnancy discrimination
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and FEHA require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees who can fulfill their job duties despite having some type of a mental or physical disability that presents a challenge, if they can do so without undue hardship. A reasonable accommodation might include a ramp, special furniture, assistive computer technology, light duty work, or a schedule that allows for more remote work. There is also legal protection for workers who require flexibility in their jobs due to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. This includes four months of pregnancy disability leave. However, termination during that period is allowed if it is unrelated to the pregnancy absence.
Religious discrimination
Freedom to practice one’s faith is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution, as well as by Title VII and by the FEHA. However, there are several ways in which employers violate the religious rights of their workers. Along with discrimination in hiring and promotion, businesses sometimes fail to make reasonable accommodations that are required by law. When an employee requests time off or a private moment for a religious observance, this should be allowed unless doing so would create a substantial hardship for the employer. We advise clients on these types of issues, as well as in cases where a worker claims that a hostile work environment exists due to offensive statements, images or actions relating to their faith.
Miscellaneous
It is also unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee because of veteran or military status, marital status, reproductive health decision making, medical condition and genetic information.
Contact a California workplace discrimination lawyer to discuss your case
Granowitz, White & Weber in San Bernardino represents California workers and employers in cases involving alleged workplace discrimination. For a consultation regarding your legal options, please call 909-890-1717 or contact us online. Our office is in the Lakeside Tower Building on East Hospitality Lane.
