Warehouse employees play essential roles in the operation of many other industries, including retail operations ranging from grocery to clothing to pharmaceutical and medical supplies.
When there is more demand, that means that warehouse workers may have to work longer hours and provide additional services. Warehouse workers are protected by state and federal employment laws, which were enacted to ensure fair treatment and equality.
If you have suffered workplace discrimination as a warehouse employee, you may be able to pursue a claim against your employer.
You have rights, and there are resources available to help you if you have been mistreated by your employer.
You should maintain documentation and evidence that will help you navigate the claims process should the need to pursue a claim against your employer ever arise.
While some matters can be solved by directly talking with your employer, you may end up filing a claim with a government entity or filing a lawsuit against your employer.
How A Warehouse Employee May Experience Workplace Discrimination
There are many ways in which discrimination may occur, and sometimes it is more discreet than others. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate against an individual based on color, religion, race, sex, or national origin.
Many states have enacted additional anti-discrimination laws that protect individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. Workplace discrimination can occur because of your age (if 40 or older), marital status, religion, if you are pregnant, race, color, gender identity, or many other reasons.
As an example, you are a gay man who has been working at a retail warehouse for several years. You have positive performance reviews and a stellar attendance record.
There is an opening for a supervisory role. When you are called in for an interview, a comment is made about whether you are married and if your spouse is supportive because you would be working long hours.
When the supervisor learns that your spouse is a man, he or she changes tone and then comments that you would not be suited for the role because other workers would not take you seriously because of your sexual orientation.
This is an example of discrimination because of your sexual orientation.
Filing A Discrimination Claim As A Warehouse Employee
If you are a warehouse employee who has been the victim of workplace discrimination, you will need to get your claim underway as quickly as possible.
There is a statute of limitations, which is a time limit, for pursuing a claim after such instances. You will get your claim started by notifying your employer.
This will involve filing a complaint with a manager or with the company’s human resources (HR) department. You will need to supply supporting evidence and documentation.
You should gather proof of what happened. This could include any emails or memos, digital evidence such as videos or recordings, statements from witnesses, your employment contract, your employee handbook, and anything else that helps show what happened.
You should document the employer’s response and keep any correspondence that you receive regarding your complaint. If the matter is not resolved with your employer, you will need to go ahead and advance your claim to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
You can file a claim with the EEOC online or you can schedule an in-person appointment at the nearest office. They will review your evidence and interview you.
They will then speak with your employer and try to resolve the matter. If they cannot help you reach a resolution, they will suggest that you file a workplace discrimination lawsuit against your employer and ask to be compensated for your losses and damages. These damages may include lost wages and benefits as well as mental anguish.
Help With Your Discrimination Claim
If you have been the victim of workplace discrimination as a warehouse employee, you should speak with an employment law attorney who handles such cases in your state.
With the help of an attorney, you are more likely to succeed with your case. An attorney will investigate your claim and will work to prove that this is a pattern of behavior with that employer.
When you meet with a lawyer, be sure to discuss payment options. Some lawyers will take claims on a contingency basis while others will require that a retainer be paid in advance.
An attorney will make sure your claim is filed before the deadline and will gather all the supporting evidence and documentation possible to help your claim succeed.
Time is limited, so get your free case evaluation from an employment discrimination lawyer today.
