Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination occurs when you are treated less favorably based on your sex than employees in similar positions. Examples of gender discrimination Include:
- Less pay for the same work
- Being passed over for raises or promotions
- Being told you have less chance of advancing or being promoted
- Being given less favorable assignments
Whether discriminated against intentionally or unintentionally, when your employer discriminates based on your gender, the law has been violated and you may have grounds to sue.
Pregnancy discrimination is a specific type of gender discrimination affecting women who have been fired, denied promotions, or otherwise treated less favorably as a result of becoming pregnant.
Religious Discrimination
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees because of their religion. Employers are also obligated to reasonably accommodate the employee's religious practices unless doing so would place undue hardship on the business. Religious accommodation may include:
- Flexible scheduling
- Voluntary substitutions
- Job realignments
- Not scheduling examinations or selection activities that conflict with religious needs
- No restrictive dress codes that violate religious practices
- Allowing observances of a Sabbath or religious holiday
Undue hardship on an employer would be considered when more than ordinary administrative costs are necessary to accommodate a religious practice. There are various situations that may fall under undue hardship. An example would be if, in order to accommodate a religious practice for one employee, the company seniority system would need to be changed in such a way that resulted in other employees being denied the job or shift preference to which they were entitled by the company's seniority system.
Certain motivational programs such as meditation or yoga may conflict with religious beliefs, and if the employee notifies the employer regarding a religious conflict the requirement must be dropped.
If you have reason to believe there are gender or religious discrimination issues at your workplace, our attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your concerns. Please call our office at (208) 331-2100 to arrange an appointment.
