Did you know that Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1137 on September 27, 2024, to better protect against discrimination through “intersectionality.”? This amendment to the Unruh Civil Rights Act, Education Code, and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) gives protection to workers who may face discrimination based on combinations of protected traits like race, gender, and age.
California has some of the strongest laws in the United States to protect employees from workplace discrimination. According to a workplace discrimination lawyer, any form of discrimination based on a protected class is against the law and punishable by fines, citations and other penalties.
To better understand how these rules encourage diversity and inclusion on the job, read on.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. This act prohibits employers from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. That is why California employees have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment based on these characteristics.
You can complain to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing if you think you were discriminated against at work. To protect your rights, the DFEH will investigate your complaint and act. If you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, speak up for yourself. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act will support your right to work in a fair and inclusive environment.
Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act addresses California’s equal pay issue. Employers must pay men and women equally for substantially similar work under this act. The employer must prove that a wage disparity is due to seniority, merit, quantity or quality of production, education, experience, or other legitimate reasons other than gender.
The Equal Pay Act protects your right to discuss wages with coworkers without employer retaliation. Employers cannot forbid workers from discussing their wages or those of others. File a complaint with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement or sue your employer if you don’t get equal pay.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits employers from age-discriminating against employees and applicants. This federal law protects 40-year-olds in workplaces with 20 or more workers.
Employers can’t hire, fire, promote, or otherwise discriminate based on age under this act. Under this act, age-based insults are illegal. Employers cannot specify age preferences or limitations in job ads unless age is a necessary occupational qualification for business operations.
If you suspect age discrimination, you can file a complaint with the EEOC or sue the employer.
Americans With Disabilities Act
The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified disabled workers in any aspect of employment. This means disabled employees are protected from discrimination in hiring, training, promotions, benefits, and other employment-related activities.
Employers must make reasonable accommodations to help you do your job, unless it would hurt the company. We can adjust work schedules, provide special equipment, adjust workspaces, or change policies.
Under the ADA, employers can’t retaliate against you for asserting your rights or filing a disability discrimination complaint. If you suspect disability discrimination, always keep in mind that the ADA protects your rights and guarantees workplace equality.
Gender and Sexual Orientation Protections
California law protects you from gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination in hiring, promotion, compensation, and other employment decisions.
Employers must provide a workplace without gender or sexual orientation harassment or bias. This means you have the right to work in an environment where your skills and qualifications are judged, not your gender identity or sexuality.
You must report gender or sexual orientation discrimination to your employer’s HR department or the appropriate regulatory agency.
Conclusion
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Equal Pay Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans With Disabilities Act, and gender and sexual orientation protections protect workers from discrimination.
No matter their background, these laws guarantee fair treatment and equal workplace opportunities.
Adherence to these laws is critical for employers in order to establish a safe and inclusive workplace for all residents.