Domestic workers fulfill needed positions, and they often work long hours and receive lower pay rates, such as only getting minimum wage.
A domestic worker can fall victim to discrimination. Workplace discrimination is illegal, and if you have been discriminated against in the workplace, you can enlist the help of an employment law attorney.
There are many ways that workplace discrimination takes place, and you do have protections available. There are laws enacted to help workers overcome such situations.
How A Domestic Worker May Experience Workplace Discrimination
There are many ways that discrimination can take place. You may be discriminated against because of your race, your ethnic background, your religious beliefs, your sexual orientation, or your gender among other things.
The discrimination may start with inappropriate remarks, references to race or background, and offensive jokes. The problem may worsen and result in the worker being given less desirable shifts, getting demoted, lower rates of pay in comparison to others who do the same job, and being denied promotions that he or she is qualified for and capable of doing.
In some cases, the discrimination culminates in the firing of the domestic worker.
As an example, a housekeeper may apply for a supervisory role in the company. She is told there is no way that she can be a manager because people where she is from are not taken seriously as supervisors.
In another situation, a member of the hotel janitorial staff is put on night shift and is given the most undesirable job duties. When he asks when will his shift change or rotate, he is told based on his background he should be used to handling those duties and that shift, so he will be okay.
Filing A Discrimination Claim As A Domestic Worker
There are laws in place to protect all workers, regardless of job responsibilities or job titles. If you are a domestic worker who has suffered workplace discrimination, you need to follow the proper procedures for filing a formal complaint.
You should review your employee handbook, which should have the guidelines clearly laid out. Your first step will be to speak with your company’s human resources (HR) department or to talk with a manager.
As a domestic worker who you speak with would be the HR or manager of the hotel, entertainment facility, learning institution, hospital, or so forth.
You should provide details about the discriminatory act and be sure to provide copies of any supporting evidence or documentation.
You should hang on to the original documents. Be sure to document how your employer responds. If they take action and the discrimination stops and the issue is resolved, then they took the matter seriously and they do not support workplace discrimination.
If they brush you off and act like nothing happened despite your evidence, then they support the inappropriate behavior and they are violating federal and state laws.
If the matter is not resolved within your company, you will file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
You should gather supporting evidence and documentation and speak with a representative. The EEOC will investigate your claim and they will work to resolve the matter.
If they find that there is a pattern of such behavior from your employer, and that there is evidence that shows the discrimination was willful and intentional, they will file a lawsuit against your employer on your behalf.
You can recover compensation for your damages, which could include lost wages, lost benefits, mental anguish, and so forth. At that time, a court will determine the outcome of your case.
Get A Free Case Evaluation
If you are a domestic worker who has been the victim of workplace discrimination, you should speak with an employment law attorney who handles such cases in your area.
An employment law attorney will know how to proceed with your claim and can determine the extent of your damages. When you speak with the lawyer, go over their payment options.
Some attorneys charge an hourly rate and ask for a retainer to be paid in advance, but there are lawyers who take such cases on a contingency basis.
Your chances of a successful claim increase significantly when you are represented by an attorney who handles employment law matters.
Time is limited for pursuing a claim, so be sure and consult with a lawyer who handles employment law matters today. Complete the Free Case Evaluation
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