Civil rights legislation protects individuals by providing fundamental rights and freedoms. Despite the many legal safeguards that are in place, instances of civil rights violations at work still occur.
Shedding light on four common issues can promote awareness and protect workplace equality.
1. Discrimination based on protected characteristics
Discrimination based on protected characteristics can include factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability and sexual orientation. It can manifest in various forms, including unequal treatment in hiring, promotion, compensation and job assignments, as well as harassment and hostile work environments.
2. Retaliation for exercising rights
Another way civil rights are violated in the workplace is by punishing employees who stand up for their legal rights. This might happen if workers face consequences for speaking out against discrimination or harassment, reporting problems to government agencies, joining protests or asserting their rights in other ways. Retaliation can come in different forms, such as firing, demoting, harassing or taking other negative actions against employees.
3. Failure to provide reasonable accommodations
Under the law, employers must make reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities or religious beliefs to perform their job duties unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the employer. Failure to provide reasonable accommodations can constitute discrimination and deny individuals their civil rights.
4. Invasion of privacy
Invasion of privacy includes unauthorized surveillance, searches or monitoring of employees’ personal activities, communications or belongings. This can happen using things like cameras, checking emails, tracking with GPS or monitoring social media. Protecting employees’ privacy rights is key to preserving their dignity, autonomy and freedom from unwarranted intrusion.
If you recognize any of the above situations in your workplace, speaking with an expert in civil rights defense can help ensure your rights and the rights of others are protected.
