When you apply to a job, the last thing you worry about is not getting the position due to being a woman (or a man). After all, the position can easily be performed by either gender, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Unfortunately, gender is something that does play a role in some business’s hiring practices, even though it’s illegal. If you can recognize that the business has removed you as a candidate as a result of your gender, you have a right to sue due to a violation of your civil rights.
Women, in particular, often face discrimination in the workplace. There are a few reasons for this. For example, there are preconceptions such as:
- All women will get pregnant and cost the employer time and money on maternity leave
- Women are less trustworthy than men
- Women are weaker than men
These are just three of the discriminatory remarks that you’re likely to hear time and time again, and there are many more. These are the basis of many complaints.
What should you do if you’re discriminated against on the job?
If you’re discriminated against, one of the best things you can do is to get in touch with your attorney and to start a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Here’s some information on how the process works.
First, you are a victim of discrimination based on unlawful reasons, such as your gender. That spurs you to file a charge with the local EEOC office. You have 180 days to do so.
Within 10 days of filing the charge, your employer will receive a notice that a charge was filed. The EEOC then starts an investigation to look into whether or not there is evidence to support your allegation. If there is, then the EEOC makes a finding of cause. If not, the organization makes a finding of “no cause.” You can ask for a second review if no cause is found. You will obtain the right to sue directly if you are given the no cause finding. If cause is found, the EEOC starts conciliation, which is a way to resolve the dispute between you and your employer before having to go to court. You may reach a settlement at this point.
It’s a good idea to have your attorney on board during this process. You want to make sure you don’t miss deadlines and take the proper steps to move forward as soon as possible.
