Discrimination in a steel works happens when you, as a steel worker, are treated less favorably than others because of something personal to you and not your ability to fulfill the role of a steelworker. Discrimination can come in different forms.
How a Steel Worker May Experience Workplace Discrimination
There are state and federal laws which cover discrimination in the workplace. Typically, state laws are much the same as federal laws. This means that steel company employers are not allowed to discriminate based on a steel worker’s:
- religion;
- race;
- political affiliation;
- pregnancy status;
- sexual orientation;
- parenthood in many cases;
- national origin including ancestry;
- marital status;
- gender;
- color;
- age;
- a physical or mental disability.
Sometimes employers can defend themselves when accused of discrimination stating that their business operations would suffer badly if they didn’t discriminate. However, this is illegal. If you can prove you have suffered discrimination caused by your employer, you have the right to file a complaint.
How Discrimination Can Occur For a Steelworker
There are a number of ways an employer can discriminate against a steelworker due to a personal but protected feature. These could include any of the following:
- cutting the steelworker’s shift which reduces wages;
- denying the steelworker further training opportunities and promotion;
- being paid less than another steelworker even though the tasks are the same;
- being excluded or isolated from fellow steel workers;
- having vital information deliberately withheld that help to do the job well;
- being given tasks that can’t be done;
- being verbally insulted or abused due to the protected or personal feature.
Filing a Discrimination Claim as a Steel Worker
The first step to take is to file a report with your supervisor explaining the discrimination. It might be an oversight on behalf of your employer who may be able to solve your complaint of discrimination and correct it before you move onto the next step and take your complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC).
If your employer ignores your complaint, then you should move onto the next step. If your steel working company employs more than 15 workers you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission if you have had no response from your employer.
It is necessary to file your discrimination complaint within 180 days of the incident taking place. However, it's a good idea to file the claim as soon as possible when the incident is clear in your mind and the minds of any witnesses you may select to support your claim.
How to File a Claim for Discrimination as a Steel Worker
In order to file your workplace discrimination complaint as a steelworker it is a good idea to file the claim in person at your closest Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) office. If you find the face to face encounter difficult, by mail or online.
You should submit an online enquiry to begin with so that the EEOC can decide if it is the right agency for you to file your claim. You will be asked to provide with your complaint your name, address and contact details and also the same information for your employer.
You should include with your complaint the following information:
- A description of the discrimination including the dates when it took place;
- Any notes or emails from anyone that shows that discrimination has taken place;
- Names, addresses, and contact details of any witnesses who are willing to support your allegations.
As soon as the EEOC receives your complaint it will instigate an investigation. If the discrimination is having a severe impact on you it may begin its investigation immediately.
During the investigation an agent from the EEOC may visit your steel works, request more details from you, conduct interviews and evaluate any relevant documentation. It may arrange mediation between you and your employer to see if the matter of discrimination can be solved. If it cannot be resolved in this way and the EEOC has established that without any doubt discrimination has taken place you may receive compensation such as:
- promotion if your discrimination has denied you this,
- back pay,
- front pay,
- reinstatement to your job as a steelworker if you have been terminated,
- legal fees and court costs (if relevant).
If the EEOC cannot find a resolution for your discrimination claim it will notify you and give you 90 days to sue your employer. However, at this stage you may need an employment law attorney who specializes in discrimination to work on your behalf.
Help With Your Discrimination Claim
The attorney will study your discrimination claim including your witness’s accounts and decide if you have a valid reason for suing your employer. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation today to get your claim’s information looked over by a lawyer that takes cases in your area.
