What to Do if You’re a Victim of Gender Discrimination in California?
Gender discrimination in the workplace has become a widespread issue in California. It is unfair when you get paid less because of your sex. The unfair treatment and sexual harassment are both troubling for the workers. California worker laws protect all genders from getting equal pay and opportunities from employers. However, some companies still show gender discrimination in the work environment. If you feel that you are being discriminated against because of your gender, taking legal steps is mandatory.
So here in this article, we will discuss what to do if you are a victim of gender discrimination in California. Just keep reading to learn more in this regard.
What can you do as a victim of gender discrimination in the workplace?
Make sure of your legal grounds
If you are concerned that your employer is treating you unfairly because of your gender, you need to look for any of these grounds:
- You are getting lower wages because of your gender
- You are missing out on workplace opportunities only because of your gender
- You are not getting a promotion because of your gender
- You are not getting pay raise because of your gender
- You are not getting equal training benefits because of your gender
- You are facing sexual harassment
- You are getting demoted or fired for taking pregnancy leave.
If you are facing any of these unfair treatments, you can seek legal help.
Make a formal complaint
Gender discrimination in workplace cases is generally inspected by California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD). You can file a complaint with CRD through mail or by calling them. They will help you settle the case and demand compensation for your damages.
Gather evidence
After contacting CRD, you need to collect evidence to support your claim. The evidence includes facts and records related to the incident, name, and contacts of the person who harmed you, name and contact information of the witness, etc.
Seek legal help
You should consult a skilled gender discrimination attorney. He will help gather evidence and take appropriate legal actions. You can wait for the CRD to investigate or directly file a lawsuit in the civil court. Your attorney will help you choose the best option for you.
File a lawsuit
If you do not want to wait for the investigation process conducted by CRD, you can obtain a right-to-sue notice and then directly file a lawsuit against your employer. From a gender discrimination lawsuit, you can ask for damages like-
- Back pay for lost past earnings
- Front pay for lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering from emotional distress
- Punitive damages
- Lost benefits like health insurance, pension, etc.
Final Words
All employees deserve equal pay and benefits for equal work. Still, sometimes gender discrimination in the workplace becomes a disturbing issue. This article will help you deal with such cases of gender discrimination. Now you can stand up against unfair treatment and speak for yourself without any fear. California laws will protect you till the end.
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