By Thomas Ricotta on July 10th, 2019 in Workplace Discrimination
The most important thing for an employer should be how well an employee performs. However, this is not always the case. Discrimination is rampant among employers, as companies discriminate against employees due to factors such as age, race, gender, disability, and other factors beyond a person’s control.
This is illegal. There are many laws in New York and across the country that protect employees from such actions.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This federal law prohibits discrimination based on factors such as age, gender, race, color, national origin, disability, pay, genetic information, pregnancy, religion, sexual harassment, and retaliation. It applies to employers with at least 15 employees, including government agencies. This law applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, promotions, training and retirement plans.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA became law in 1990. It aims to give those with disabilities the same rights as everyone else. It prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals not only in terms of employment, but in all areas of public life, including schools and transportation.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
This law is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It protects applicants and employees over the age of 40 from discrimination in various aspects of employment, such as compensation, hiring, discharge, and promotion.
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
GINA is a federal law that protects employees from discrimination based on genetic information. Under the law, a person’s health history, genetic counseling, genetic test results, and participation in genetic research cannot be used to make decisions about employment and health insurance.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
You have several rights under the FCRA, including:
- Access to your credit report.
- Knowledge of credit scores.
- Protected access.
- The right to have negative information removed after seven to 10 years.
- Privacy of medical information.
- Protection for your account numbers.
- The ability to seek damages.
New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)
This anti-discrimination law is applicable to New York State only. This statute is similar to the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in that employment discrimination is prohibited based on factors such as age, color,r ace, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetics, marital status, military status, arrest record, and status as a domestic violence victim.
New York employers with four or more employers must abide by this law. Supervisors and business owners could be held liable under this law.
Contact a New York Employment Discrimination Lawyer
As you can see, there are numerous laws in place to protect you from discrimination in the workplace. If you believe your employer is breaking the law by firing or demoting you simply because of your age, race, disability, sexual orientation or other factors, we can help.
The skilled employment discrimination attorneys at Ricotta & Marks, P.C. has helped many employees fight discrimination in the workplace. Our aggressive representation will help you recover compensation for your damages and hold your employer liable for their actions. Call our office today at (347) 464-8694 for a consultation.