What is Considered Unfair Treatment at Work?

It is every employee’s right that their employer treats them fairly and with respect. This includes the presumption that your contribution to your company will be regarded as someone with special talents and flaws. In addition, it is typical to believe that all employees will have access to opportunities for wage increases, bonuses, and other incentives based on how well they execute their jobs and carry out their duties. Unfortunately, we are aware that this isn’t always possible. We have put together some helpful material to assist you in identifying unfair treatment at work in California and also learn what your responsibilities are when you experience this mistreatment for yourself in order to protect yourself effectively. 

Workplace Discrimination 

At work, unjust treatment can take many different forms, from discrimination to unequal treatment of coworkers. Understanding that it is prohibited to harass or prejudice against someone due to so-called “protected characteristics”, including age, handicap, maternity, sexual preference, race, religion, color, country, or gender, is one of the most crucial aspects of unequal treatment to grasp. The following are a few of the most prevalent instances of unjust treatment at work: 

1. Making up stories about coworkers. 

2. Refusal of a transfer or pay increase because of one’s race, gender, or any characteristic unrelated to one’s job. 

3. Sending an employee unpleasant emails or texts. 

4. Paying some workers less because of the above-mentioned protected trait.

5. Demoting or dismissing a worker without a justification or following a reasonable method. 

6. Letting older employees go or putting them off.

The Best Ways to Prove Unfair Treatment 

The paperwork process is simply one step in resolving this issue, whether you want to cease unfair treatment at work or if you want to file a lawsuit after it has negatively impacted you. You can demonstrate unfair treatment and obtain a satisfying resolution by following a few best practices: 

1. Note everything down. It is crucial to maintain accurate and detailed records of unfair treatment. Any communication between you, your coworkers, and your employer should be copied. Making copies of comments from your employees who back up your allegation is also a good idea. 

2. Disclose unfair treatment. Generally speaking, it is advisable to make an honest effort to resolve unfair treatment issues internally before taking legal action. Although doing so could ultimately be ineffective, having the record that you tried to resolve your issues through the proper internal channels can be helpful if you ever need to pursue further legal action. 

3. Obtain copies of the corporate manuals and policies. You must get copies of workplace documents from your employer, such as the staff handbook and policy manuals that explicitly express the disputed policy or practice, to your employment attorney if you need to demonstrate disproportionate impact. 

4. Consult a lawyer. Consultation with a competent employment attorney is one of the necessary actions to take if you have encountered unjust treatment at work. Your team of lawyers will advise you on the best course of action and walk you through the process of obtaining the evidence you need to establish your claim of unequal treatment. 

5. Make positive suggestions. Although the struggle for equality in the workplace should never occur, you might not have been the victim of bad intentions. Before you need to pursue more formal legal action, you might be able to fix the issue by contacting your employer for acceptable improvements and outlining your motivations.