Workplace Discrimination in West Virginia
Discrimination is an all-too-familiar scenario for many in the workplace. Likewise, it is also the most common type of workplace lawsuit that workers file. An experienced West Virginia workplace discrimination attorney can help. Find out how.
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Discrimination in the workplace deals with unfair treatment. These laws find their basis 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.
West Virginia 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 current ly have employment from a company to face qualifying discrimination. For instance, the company chose not to hire someone. If it’s because of a qualifying characteristic, the individual may become entitled to a claim.
Here are some of the most common types of discrimination that occur in the West Virginiawork 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 West Virginia 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.
Both the Philadelphia District Office and the Pittsburgh Area Office of the EEOC accept federal complaints in West Virginia. Once the West Virginia employee makes a formal Charge of Discrimination, the EEOC will send a copy to the employer within 10 days. The EEOC will then investigate the allegations. Keep in mind, the investigation does not have a time limit. If the EEOC finds evidence of a violation of law, they will generally try to resolve the case through a settlement. However, the EEOC has the authority to go to court.
What Laws Protect Against Discrimination in the Workplace?
There are federal workplace discrimination laws that help to protect employees. On a federal level, West Virginia 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 protection.
Let’s take an example. California became the first state where ethnic hair and the right to wear it naturally became a right. In other states, employers may discriminate against natural hair because of racial discrimination.
The West Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, age (40 or above), color, ancestry, national original, blindness, and disability. Additionally, a West Virginia employer cannot retaliate against an employee who files a complaint with the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. Under the West Virginia Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act, an employer cannot deny employment opportunities to a pregnant applicant. This law applies if the denial is based on the refusal to make reasonable accommodations related to the applicant’s pregnancy or childbirth.
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.
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
-
According to the West Virginia Human Rights Commission, the state enacted the West Virginia Human Rights Act (WVHRA) in 1961. However, it wasn’t until 1967 that the state amended the WVHRA, adding a statutory provision prohibiting discrimination in employment and places of public accommodations. This made equal opportunity an enforceable right for the first time under state law.
West Virginia: The states’ Equal Pay for Equal Work law provides state employees with equal pay for work of comparable character, regardless of gender. Consequently, a state employer cannot discriminate between the sexes in the payment of wages for equal work, unless there is a legal exception. Legal exceptions include a bona fide seniority system or a merit system.
- California: The CROWN Act – Bans employers from discriminating against ethnic hair.
- New York: Human Rights Law – Prohibits discrimination. It includes protections for ethnic hair, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protected characteristics
- Washington: Washington State Law Against Discrimination – Makes discrimination illegal, including discrimination against people with disabilities who rely on service animals
What Is the Workplace Discrimination Process Like?
Filing a claim for workplace discrimination in West Virginia can be a tricky process given the number of potential laws in play. This is especially the case when the characteristics of the case under 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.
West Virginia 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 involved.
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 West Virginia 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 settlements or mediation. For this reason, both parties have incentive to work out a compromise.
It may become 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 this is the case, an attorney can issue a “Right To Sue” letter. This letter gives the employee facing discrimianation the right to sue on their own accord.
As a West Virginia employee, you have the right to file an appeal with the EEOC if you disagree with the agency’s final determination. However, you must file the appeal within 30 days of receiving the EEOC’s decision. You can submit your appeal online through the EEOC Public Portal. Alternatively, you can submit the appeal by mail, or in person at the Office of Federal Operations in Washington, D.C.
Work With an Experienced Workplace Discrimination Lawyer in West Virginia
Consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in discrimination in West Virginia 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. West Virginia 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 West Virginia? Start with a case review. We can even help you connect with an attorney across West Virginia state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
Check out other areas of West Virginia state law that might apply to your case!