Your Marital Status Shouldn’t Determine Your Vocation
Many employers want their employees to demonstrate a complete commitment to the company—and they assume that employees with families are incapable of doing so. Instead of working with employees to find a schedule that works for everyone, some employers will fire employees as soon as they have children. For many parents, juggling work and family is challenging enough. Facing discrimination based on familial status can be too much for parents to bear alone. That is why the Ricotta & Marks, P.C. marital status discrimination lawyers in Queens, NY are dedicated to providing guidance and support to parents who face discrimination in the workplace. You have rights under the law. If you or your spouse were discriminated against based on your marital status, please call our Queens law office or our Long Island law office for a confidential initial consultation.
New York Law: Marital Status Discrimination
Federal law does not prohibit discrimination because of an employee’s marital status—meaning that basis alone is not sufficient to support a federal claim. However, state and local laws do provide employees in our region with much needed marital status protections. Depending on where you work, you may be protected from marital status discrimination under New York State law (N.Y. Human Rights Law § 296.1), New York City law (New York City Human Rights Law), or another local regulation. Generally speaking, these laws prohibit employers from discriminating against job applicants or workers who are married, unmarried, or divorced. Your marriage (or lack thereof) should not be used against you in the workplace.
You May Have the Right to Family or Medical Leave
In some cases, employees may have a legal right to take unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or paid, job protected leave under the New York Paid Family Leave Benefit Law (PFLBL). In either case, employees cannot be punished for taking family/medical leave that they are entitled to under labor regulations.
Beyond that, in some cases, an employer may even have a duty to reasonable accommodations for parents. An accommodation may be as simple as giving you a different shift that is more convenient for you. At a minimum, the employer must engage in a dialogue with you. The employer cannot just assume that the company cannot accommodate your needs.
Discrimination Against Single Mothers in New York City and Queens, NY
Often, this type of employment discrimination falls heavily on single mothers.
Family status discrimination can come in a wide range of different forms. That being said, far too frequently, the brunt of the unequal treatment falls on single parents—particularly on single mothers. Over time, denied promotions can cause a single mother’s career to stall and make it extremely difficult for her to support her family.
Since discrimination against a single mother is often less overt than other forms, it can be difficult to identify. However, if you are a single mother and feel that your employer discriminated against you, our lawyers will take aggressive action on your behalf. We can pursue economic, emotional and punitive damages. If your goal is to keep your job, we can help to ensure that your employer follows the law—and allows you to remain in your position.
Of course, single fathers may also experience marital status discrimination. If you are a single father and you believe that you were denied opportunities in the workplace based on your family status, call our Queens & Long Island workplace discrimination attorneys for immediate help.
Why Hire the Queens Marital Status Discrimination Lawyers at Ricotta & Marks
Marital status discrimination claims are complex. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our sole area of practice is employment law. We are prepared to put in the time and resources to understand the specific facts of your case and build a sensible, focused approach. When you call our firm, you will have an opportunity to consult with a Queens workplace discrimination attorney who can:
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your marital status discrimination claim;
- Answer your questions and explain your rights under New York law;
- Investigate the matter—gathering information and evidence; and
- Craft a personalized strategy focused on getting you justice and results.
We are firmly committed to the principle that every employee deserves fair and equal treatment in the workplace. With experience settling and litigating employment law claims, our Queens marital status discrimination lawyers are prepared to take your case as far as it needs to go to get you the best outcome possible.
Contact our Marital Discrimination Lawyers in Queens for Immediate Assistance
At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our Queens employment lawyers have the skills, experience, and knowledge to handle the full range of marital discrimination claims. We will protect your rights and keep your interests ahead of your employer. To learn more about how our attorneys fight discrimination, contact our legal team Ricotta & Marks, P.C., at 347-464-8694. Our law firm returns calls within 24 hours. We have offices in, Queens, and Long Island City.