Employees should feel comfortable while they are at work. They should not have to face discrimination or harassment in the workplace from managers, co-workers, customers, and vendors.
While employees were treated poorly by employers hundreds of years ago, things have changed since then. Nowadays, employees have many protections so that they can work in safe and harassment-free environments.
While most employment discrimination claims involve race (more than 30%), there are many other ways in which someone can be discriminated against or harassed in the workplace. Read on to learn more about your rights as an employee.
There are many discrimination laws in place for employers in Chicago. Besides the Illinois Human Rights Act and federal civil rights laws, there is also a Human Rights Ordinance that applies to Chicago businesses.
It is against the law for Chicago employers to discriminate or harass an employee based on their status. The following protected classes are included in this law:
An employer who violates this law is required to pay fines of up to $500 per occurrence. In addition, the employer may be ordered to pay damages to the victim and pay for their attorney fees. Employers must also take specific steps to prevent these discriminatory practices from happening again.
If you have been a victim of employment discrimination, you must first file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The easiest way to do so is through the EEOC’s public portal. Once you submit an online inquiry, an agent will interview you.
You can also file a claim in person at a local EEOC office. You can schedule an appointment online through the EEOC portal. You can also file a charge via mail, although this is the slowest route.
Before filing a claim, you should have all relevant information with you. This may include copies of texts and emails, recorded conversations, performance evaluations, and contact information for witnesses who can corroborate your claims.
If you have a meeting, you can bring someone with you to help with the process. This may be a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a lawyer. While a lawyer is not required to file an EEOC claim, having one on your side can be very helpful.
Chicago has discrimination laws that apply to all employers in the city. Despite this, employment law violations continue to be widespread, compromising the safety of workplaces throughout Illinois.
You should feel comfortable in the workplace. If you have experienced discrimination or harassment in the workplace, contact The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline. We will hold the employer accountable and help you obtain compensation. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (312) 558-1454 or filling out the online form.
