Grocery store employees are essential workers who perform all the tasks at grocery stores to ensure we can purchase all the foods that we need. If you are a grocery store worker, you are most likely paid an hourly wage. You work hard for your paycheck. Working in a grocery store can be a challenging and stressful job, but employers have the responsibility to make sure you do not find yourself in a hostile work environment. You need a work environment that is friendly and welcoming so you can be productive and not as stressed. If you have suffered workplace discrimination as a grocery store employee, you do have rights and there are resources available to help you.
How A Grocery Store Employee May Suffer Workplace Discrimination
While workplace discrimination can often be obvious, there are times that it is more subtle. Workplace discrimination occurs when you are discriminated against because of a mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, or gender identity by your employer or potential employer. Generally, federal employment laws prohibit employers from discriminating against workers based on national origin, gender, age (if 40 and older), religion, race, or color, and often, states have additional laws in place that protect a larger group of individuals. If you have suffered workplace discrimination, you can pursue a claim against your employer for your damages.
As an example, you are a grocery store worker who has extensive experience in the business. You have also accumulated several years of seniority in the company. You apply for a management position that becomes available. When you interview for the job, the comment was made that you had done a lot for the company, but the operation had “never had a black manager.” You were denied the promotion. Another example would be if you were a woman who worked as a cashier for the grocery store, but you applied for a position in the meat department. Your supervisor laughed at your application and said, “women are not good butchers.” Both of those are examples of how a grocery worker could be discriminated against.
If you are a grocery worker, you should maintain records and documentation that support your claim should the need to file a claim arise. Always maintain detailed documentation about your employment because you could find yourself in a situation where you are harassed, discriminated against, or face other legal violations. You want to be able to prove what happened and show your losses that you suffered because of the employer’s wrongdoing.
Filing A Discrimination Claim As A Grocery Store Employee
Your first step in filing a discrimination claim as a grocery store employee is to speak with your employer about the situation. Your first step will be to gather all supporting evidence and documentation then speak with a manager, supervisor, or with human resources. You should maintain evidence or documentation detailing who you spoke with, what was said, and their response. If you cannot get the matter resolved internally, you will need to take the next step with your workplace discrimination claim as a grocery store employee.
You will contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which oversees such laws and treatment. You can file your claim online or you can schedule an appointment at your nearest EEOC office. A representative will interview you, review your evidence and documentation, and then speak with your employer about the matter. The EEOC representative will determine if there was discrimination that took place and if so, work to resolve the matter with your employer. If the EEOC cannot get the issue resolved, it will be recommended that you pursue a lawsuit against your employer to recover compensation for your damages, which may include lost wages and benefits, mental anguish, and more. An employment law attorney will help you determine the total of your losses.
Help With A Discrimination Claim As A Grocery Store Worker
If you are a grocery store employee who has suffered workplace discrimination, you should enlist the help of an employment law attorney who specializes in workplace discrimination matters. An attorney will be familiar with the state and federal laws that apply and will investigate your claim and gather supporting documentation and evidence. Your lawyer will review your specific situation and determine the total value of your claim.
Some employment law attorneys require a payment in advance, but others take cases on a contingency basis, so be sure to discuss the payment process with your attorney. If you suffered discrimination as a grocery store employee, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share details with an employment lawyer in your area.
