Workplace Discrimination in Duluth, MN
No one should face discrimination based on their race, gender, age, or any other protected characteristic. When your employer crosses this line, it can affect more than your career. It can have profound impacts on your personal life as well.
Discover the significance of various forms of workplace discrimination and the laws that safeguard employees. Let us guide you toward empowerment and connect you with a local attorney today.
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Discrimination in the workplace deals with unfair treatment. These laws can vary, depending on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, physical qualities, or age. Workplace discrimination can occur between employees or between employers and existing or prospective employees.
Duluth, Minnesota Labor laws make some types of workplace discrimination illegal. If illegal discrimination occurs, workers may be able to file a workplace discrimination lawsuit. A worker does not need to currently have employment from a company to face qualifying acts of discrimination. For instance, say the company chose not to hire someone. If it’s because of a qualifying characteristic, the individual may be able to file a claim.
Here are some of the most common types of discrimination that occur in the Duluth, MN work environment:
- Choosing not to hire someone because of their disability
- Choosing not to promote someone because of their race
- Excluding someone from a project because management says they’re too old
- Making misogynistic comments about women
- Deliberately paying men more than women because the boss values their work more
Should You File a Complaint With the HR Department or the EEOC?
Most Duluth, MN companies have a human resources department and discrimination in the workplace falls within their portfolio. For that reason, raising concerns with the appropriate HR representative may include filing a written report, a possible sit-down interview, and an investigation.
Sometimes a company does not have a human resources department and there are no policies in place. To resolve the issue, you might take your concerns directly to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They can assist you in investigating the claim and possibly filing a lawsuit.
First, the EEOC reviews your complaint to determine if it falls under its jurisdiction. If accepted, the agency will notify your employer in Duluth and launch an investigation. In some cases, they may offer mediation as an alternative. If conciliation fails, the EEOC may file a lawsuit or issue a “right-to-sue” letter.
What Laws Protect Against Discrimination in the Workplace?
There are federal workplace discrimination laws that help to protect employees. On a federal level, Duluth employees have protections from discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, many states have even stronger laws that offer additional protections.
Let’s use an example. California is the first state where ethnic hair and the right to wear it naturally became a right with protections. In other states, employers may discriminate against natural hair because it is part of racial discrimination.
Minnesota’s laws against discrimination are also robust. Here are specific examples of the state’s regulations for Duluth residents:
- Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA): This act prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and banking.
- Equal Pay for Equal Work: Minnesota law requires employers to pay equally for similar work, regardless of gender.
- Accommodation for Disabilities: Minnesota employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This specifically prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of race, religion, sex, color, or national origin. It typically applies to organizations with 15 or more employees. It also applies to schools (both public and private) and labor organizations. The EEOC’s primary responsibility is enforcing this law.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights enforces civil rights legislation in the state. They take responsibility for investigating complaints and can file legal action. Their jurisdiction covers areas like employment, housing, and public accommodations in Duluth.
Other Notable Applicable Federal Discrimination Laws
- Equal Pay Act (EPA) – Deals with equal pay act for men and women
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – Protects workers aged 40 and over
- Americans with Disabilities Act – Protects employees with physical disabilities
Examples of Other State Workplace Discrimination Laws
- California: The CROWN Act – Bans employers from discriminating against ethnic hair.
- New York: Human Rights Law – Prohibits discrimination.. Includes expansions to include ethnic hair, sexual orientation, and gender identity as characteristics with protections
- Washington: Washington State Law Against Discrimination – Makes discrimination illegal, including discrimination against disabled people who rely on service animals
What Is the Workplace Discrimination Process Like?
Filing a claim for workplace discrimination in Duluth, Minnesota can be a tricky process given the number of potential laws in play. This is especially the case when the characteristics with protections only qualify under state law. The EEOC enforces federal workplace discrimination laws. In some cases, individual state labor departments handle the claims that only qualify under state law.
Filing a Claim
When it comes to federal claims, workers have about 180 days to file, to remain within the statute of limitations. Time is of the essence with discrimination claims. It’s a good idea to hire a discrimination lawyer to help from the beginning.
Duluth, MN claimants also need to provide some basic information with their claim. Depending on the agency, the employer’s name, the name(s) of involved parties, and a description of the incident. It will also include the contact information for everyone with involvement in the issue.
Once the investigation has begun, the agency may request more information. They generally give you ample time and opportunity to produce said information if this happens.
Investigating the Claim
The investigation may involve interviewing the Duluth employee, employer, other employees at the same place of business. However, it may also include anyone else who may have relevant information. The agency determines that the claim is valid and discrimination did, in fact, take place. The next step is generally to work for settlement or mediation. For this reason, both parties may have an incentive to work out a compromise.
Still, it might be necessary to file a lawsuit with the appropriate court. This is especially true if the parties cannot reach a settlement on the employee’s behalf. If that’s the case, an attorney issues what is known as a “Right To Sue” letter. This letter gives the employee suffering from discrimination the right to sue on their own accord.
You can contest the decision from the EEOC if you disagree. You can do so by requesting a review or reconsideration of your case. This process typically involves submitting additional evidence. Accordingly, it is advisable to have legal counsel in Duluth assist.
Work With an Experienced Workplace Discrimination Lawyer In Duluth, Minnesota
Consider hiring a Duluth lawyer who specializes in discrimination as soon as the incident takes place. Experts often recommend that you resolve the issue internally through the proper HR channels. On the other hand, many employers mishandle these cases.
If you are considering a lawsuit an attorney becomes even more necessary. Duluth, MN discrimination attorneys can help you with the paperwork, prepare you for depositions, and find corroborating witnesses to support your claim.
If the court rules in your favor, you might become entitled to several different compensatory benefits:
- Back pay
- Promotion
- Reinstatement
- Front pay
- Reasonable accommodations
- Payment of attorneys’ fees, court costs, and expert witness fees
Are you ready to find out if you are eligible for these benefits in Duluth? Start with a case review.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
