Discrimination at work happens more often than it should. Many employees in Minnesota face unfair treatment based on characteristics like race, gender, age or disability. Understanding what constitutes discrimination and how to respond can help protect your rights.
What constitutes discrimination?
Discrimination can take many forms. Knowing what actions qualify as discriminatory can help you identify if you are a victim. In Minnesota, the following acts can fall under discrimination:
- Unequal pay: Paying someone less because of their race, gender, or another protected characteristic.
- Hiring and firing decisions: Making hiring or firing decisions based on race, gender, age, religion or disability.
- Promotion denials: Denying promotions to qualified employees due to their protected characteristics.
- Harassment: Subjecting employees to unwanted behavior based on race, gender or other protected traits.
- Retaliation: Punishing employees for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.
- Unequal training opportunities: Offering fewer training opportunities to employees based on discriminatory reasons.
Discriminatory acts create a hostile work environment and hinder equal employment opportunities. Recognizing these acts can help you take necessary actions to address the issue.
What can you do about it?
If you face discrimination at work, you can file a report. Notify your supervisor or HR department about the discrimination. It is also crucial to follow your company’s complaint procedure.
If internal reporting does not resolve the issue, file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You may also seek legal professionals to help you explore your legal options. Remember to maintain professionalism while management or the authorities address your complaint.