Workplace Discrimination in Provo, UT

Workplace discrimination in Provo can profoundly affect your career, mental well-being, and quality of life. It is a topic that is vital to your interests and it deserves time, attention, and legal recourse.

Don’t let workplace discrimination go unchallenged. Obtain practical advice on how to choose the right attorney and other critical considerations below.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination pertains to the unjust and biased treatment experienced by individuals. The laws surrounding this issue deal with race, gender, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. Instances of workplace discrimination can arise between employees, employers, or applicants.

In Provo, Utah, labor laws prohibit certain forms of workplace discrimination. Additionally, workers have the option to pursue a lawsuit if it takes place.

It is important to note that individuals do not need to be currently employed to face qualifying incidents. For example, if an individual is not hired by a company, they may have grounds to file a claim.

Discrimination incidents in Provo, UT include, but are not limited to:

• Intentionally paying men a higher salary than women.
• Engaging in the act of making derogatory and sexist remarks targeted towards women.
• Unfairly excluding an individual from a project based on their age.
• Deciding against promoting an individual based on their race.
• Opting not to offer employment to an individual due to their disability.

Should You File a Complaint With the HR Department or the EEOC?

Many companies have HR departments in Provo, UT to address discrimination. You can raise your concerns with a representative and file a written report. Then, you may have to agree to a sit-down interview. However, consider talking to an attorney beforehand. You do not want to say or imply something to hurt your case if a trial becomes necessary.

In certain cases, a company may lack a dedicated human resources department. In these situations, you have the option to approach the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They can investigate your claim and support a lawsuit.

The EEOC will determine if your complaint meets the criteria for further investigation. They may conduct interviews, request documents or records, and gather other evidence. If they support your assertions, they will attempt to facilitate a settlement or engage in mediation. Additionally, they can issue a Notice of Right to Sue or file a lawsuit on behalf of the complainant.

What Laws Protect Against Discrimination in the Workplace?

Employees have federal workplace discrimination laws that protect their rights. At the federal level, employees in Provo have provisions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is also worth noting that many states have enacted laws that provide even stronger protections.

For instance, California enacted laws that protect the right to wear ethnic hair naturally. But other states do not have the same expectation for employers.

Utah has several civil rights legislation in place to protect individuals from discrimination. This legislation can affect employment, housing, and public accommodations in Provo. Furthermore, the UADA has provisions for pregnancy or related conditions.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

This law explicitly prohibits employers from engaging in discriminatory practices. It applies to any organization in the United States with 15 employees or more. Additionally, it extends its coverage to schools and labor organizations. The primary responsibility of enforcing this law falls under the jurisdiction of the EEOC.

The Utah Antidiscrimination Act (UADA) is the primary human rights and discrimination law in Utah. It protects a range of classes in Provo, including the following:

• National origin

• Race

• Sexual orientation

• Gender identity

• Color

• Religion

• Genetic information

• Sex

• Pregnancy

• Age

• Disability

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 State Workplace Discrimination Laws

• Utah Anti-discrimination Act (UADA): prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

• California: The CROWN Act – prohibits personnel decisions based on prejudice against ethnic hair
• New York: Human Rights Law – prohibits discrimination against someone for having ethnic air, their sexual orientation, or their gender identity
• Washington: Washington State Law Against Discrimination – this legislation makes discrimination illegal, including against disabled individuals with service animals

What Is the Workplace Discrimination Process Like?

Navigating a workplace discrimination claim in Provo, Utah can be challenging. For instance, there are many laws that may apply and agencies getting involved. You would have to start with the EEOC or state labor department processes.

Filing a Claim

You must file federal claims within 180 days to meet the statute of limitations. This period is short compared to other civil concerns. As a result, you should consider hiring a lawyer from the start.

Claimants in Provo, UT need to have essential details prepared. For instance, you must provide the employer’s name, other employees, and a description of the incident.

Moreover, the EEOC will want contact information for each party involved. Once the investigation starts, the agency may ask for further documentation or interviews.

Investigating the Claim

The state or federal government may conduct interviews with the various individuals involved. They will want to talk to employees, management, and others in your workplace in Provo. The next step usually involves negotiations for a settlement or mediation sessions. 

Nonetheless, there are times when a lawsuit is necessary, especially when you cannot reach an agreement. An attorney in these situations may issue a “Right to Sue” letter. This document makes it known that they intend to take legal action on your behalf.

If you disagree with an EEOC decision, there are steps you can take to appeal it:

• Request a Reconsideration: You can submit a written request to the EEOC’s Office of Federal Operations within 30 days.

• File a Lawsuit: You can file a civil complaint in federal court within 90 days of receiving the final decision.

Work With an Experienced Workplace Discrimination Lawyer In Provo, Utah

It is worth your time to talk to a lawyer in Provo immediately after experiencing discrimination. Many experts suggest going through the appropriate HR channels first. However, many companies mishandle these cases and only act to protect the bottom line. It can take legal expertise to get through these fraught situations.

You may have an entitlement to compensatory benefits if a judge or jury rules in your favor:

• Reinstatement
• Promotion
• Reasonable work accommodations
• Lost wages
• Attorney’s fees and other court costs

Submit a request for legal help online or call us today at (866) 345-6784!