Workplace harassment is an unfortunate reality for a significant segment of the workforce. According to some surveys, as much as 44% of people have experienced harassment at work. The sad reality is that there are many people who end up in management positions who are unprofessional, unkind, and sometimes just mean. This often creates friction in the workplace, which leads to employees feeling harassed.
What a lot of employees are surprised to learn during their no-cost case evaluation with us, is that not all forms of harassment are illegal. In fact, the vast and overwhelming majority of harassment in the workplace is perfectly legal, as unprofessional and unkind as it may be. The key to determining whether the harassment suffered by a particular employee is illegal is the harasser’s motivation. Stated differently, one must examine the basis for the harassment to determine if it is actionable.
What Makes it Illegal?
The California Constitution protects employees against workplace harassment on the basis of “sex, race, creed, color, or national or ethnic origin. Cal. Const., art. I, § 8.
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits “harassment” on the basis of “sex,” “gender,” “gender identity,” “gender expression,” or “sexual orientation” (or race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, reproductive health decision making, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, age, or veteran or military status). Cal. Government Code §12940.
Contact Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. for Advice
Of course, the best way to quickly determine whether the harassment in a particular case is enough to support a case is, to contact a workplace harassment attorney, or a local workplace harassment law firm for a complimentary case evaluation.
Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. has trusted and experienced lawyers who are ready to provide a complimentary case evaluation to those in need. Our risk-free evaluation allows potential clients to learn about their options and empowers them to make decisions. Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. (https://goo.gl/maps) often represents on a contingency-fee basis. We are known for getting real results. Don’t hesitate; reach out in confidence to Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. today.
Fight workplace harassment, and protect your rights. Connect with an experienced attorney here.