We all depend on farmers. Farmers work hard to ensure we have the foods that we need. There are many companies that employ farmers. These include farms, ranches, meat producers, produce companies, and others.
If you are a farmer who is employed by a business, you are protected by state and federal laws just like other workers.
If you have been subjected to workplace discrimination as a farmer, you do have legal rights and can pursue a claim against your employer to recoup your losses.
The laws regarding workplace discrimination are detailed. There are many reasons workplace discrimination may take place. An employee may fall victim to discrimination because of national origin, religion, race, gender, physical or mental disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age.
These laws were enacted to ensure all workers have a safe, welcoming environment in which they can be productive.
How A Farmer May Experience Workplace Discrimination
There are many ways in which discrimination may take place. Sometimes it is more discreet than others. There are times that the discrimination is obvious. As an example, you are a farmer working with a tomato farm and packing company.
You are Hispanic and your supervisor makes comments about your race and says things like, “You are a Mexican, you can work faster,” or “You Mexicans are used to this by now.”
Workplace discrimination can also keep experienced, qualified employees from being given pay raises or promotions. When a worker is discriminated against, he or she may suffer financially, seeing cut hours, reduced wages, no promotions, and worse work schedules.
This causes lost wages and lost benefits. If you have been discriminated against as a farmer at work, you can also suffer mentally and emotionally. You have rights and there are resources available to help you during this challenging time.
Filing A Workplace Discrimination Claim As A Farmer
If you are a farmer who has suffered discrimination while working, you will want to file a claim against your employer in a timely manner. You do have a limited time to get a claim underway.
If you wait too long, your claim will be dismissed, and you cannot recover compensation for your damages. You will need to gather supporting evidence and documentation for your claim.
This will include your employee handbook, your employment contract, and any other pertinent information and details, including timesheets, paystubs, employee statements, and digital evidence, such as videos, recordings, and photographs that back up your claim.
Your first step in pursuing a claim will be to notify your employer of the situation. This will include talking with human resources or a manager. You will need to maintain the original evidence and provide your employer with copies.
You should get proof that you notified your employer of the problem, and you should also make sure you keep copies of all correspondence from your employer regarding the claim and that you document all the details about what is said and done.
If you cannot resolve the matter with your employer, you will take the next step which is to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
This complaint can be done online, or you can get an appointment to visit your local office and meet with the representative face to face. Either way, you will be interviewed by an EEOC employee.
They will review your evidence and then they will investigate the claim and speak with your employer. If they cannot resolve the issue, they will recommend you take the next step and file a lawsuit against your employer.
Help With Your Discrimination Claim
If you have suffered from workplace discrimination as a farmer, you should speak with an employment law attorney who handles such claims in your area.
With the help of a lawyer, you will be more likely to succeed with your claim and recover your losses. Your attorney will investigate the incident, gather supporting evidence, and then help you determine your losses.
Some employment lawyers require a retainer to be paid in advance while others will work on a contingency basis and not require payment until you win your claim.
To ensure your claim is filed in time, ask for a free case evaluation today by sharing the details of your situation.
