If you were fired illegally in Georgia you may be eligible to file a claim against your employer. It’s illegal for an employer to fire someone for a reason that violates state or Federal anti-discrimination laws. It doesn’t matter if the state is an at-will employment state like Georgia. Employers still can’t violate any Federal or state anti-discrimination laws by firing an employee for a reason that is protected by law.
What Is The Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act of 1978?
The Georgia Fair Employment Practice Act of 1978 establishes a set of criteria that employers must not violate when it comes to employment or housing. The Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act of 1978 has been amended over the years and updated to include new protections. Today, the Act states that employers in Georgia cannot discriminate against employees based on their race, sex, age, disability, national origin, color or relation.
That means that employers cannot fire, harass, retaliate against, refuse to promote, or in any way discriminate against any employees based on those characteristics. It’s a violation of Georgia law for an employer to fire an employee for a discriminatory reason.
What Other Laws Protect Georgia Workers From Wrongful Termination?
There are Federal laws that also outlaw discrimination against employees in Georgia and all across the country. Title VII of the Federal Civil Act makes it a Federal offense for employers to discriminate against employees in any way, including terminating their employment, because of their race, sex, religion, or where they are from.
The Family Medical Leave Act, Americans With Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Pregnancy Protection Act. And other Federal laws also protect workers. Employers can’t fire employees for things like taking up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new baby or a sick family member. Employers can’t fire employees for getting pregnant, or fire them during their pregnancy or maternity leave. Unlawful termination in Georgia entitles an employee to file a claim with both the state of Georgia and the Federal EEOC.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Georgia?
In Georgia, the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity is a state agency that investigates violations of the Georgia Fair Employment Practice Act of 1978 and all other state workplace laws. You can file a claim with the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity online.
You can also file a claim with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the EEOC. You only have to file one claim, so you can choose which agency to file with. Both agencies will share information that you submit. If the EEOC finds that your rights were violated, they will give you a right to sue letter which entitles you to pursue damages from your former employer.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes Georgia Wrongful Termination Claims
If you were illegally fired in Georgia your employer could face both state and Federal penalties. And you may be entitled to damages. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation Form now to get connected with an employment attorney who subscribes to the website and may be able to answer your questions and help you start a claim.
