When it comes to workplace issues such as discrimination, there are an array of topics to consider. For example, employees may experience harassment or other challenges in the workplace based on their gender or religious beliefs. In Santa Barbara, and all across the state of California, discrimination may also lead to an employee’s unlawful discharge, also known as wrongful termination.
According to USA.gov, laws related to the termination of an employee’s position differ from one state to another. Certain states have at-will employment, where employers can terminate workers’ position without reasons, so long as there were no contracts. However, there are a number of circumstances in which the dismissal of an employee is unlawful, such as firings which are the result of illegal discrimination.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states that employers are not able to factor in an employee’s religious beliefs, age (if they are over 40), gender, race or sexual orientation when making decisions related to the termination of that employee’s job. For example, if an employer has to decide which employees to lay off, they cannot simply let the oldest workers go because of their age.
Unfortunately, employees are subjected to discrimination and experience wrongful termination regardless of whether or not it is against the law. For those who think they were let go on illegal grounds, such as their religious beliefs, it is vital to take action as soon as possible. Far too many employers have violated the rights of employees and they should have to answer to the hardships that have arisen due to their actions.