What Should I Do About Discrimination in the Workplace?

Mar. 26, 2015

Dear Cathy:

I believe I am being discriminated against in my job.  I am treated differently than other employees in the workplace.  The last two times that we received workplace appraisals, I received a lower rating than others even though we are all doing the same job.  So what is the first step that I need to take to resolve this situation? Unhappy Employee, Alabama

Dear Unhappy Employee:

You can ask for a meeting with your supervisor and discuss the issues with him or her.  Start documenting everything that is happening in your workplace.  If the unfairness doesn’t stop there, then you can go to your union or file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (EEOC.gov).

Unless you are terminated from the job, you might not need to obtain an attorney right away.  But now is the time for you to learn everything you can about the EEOC laws, rules and regulations.

If you’re looking for a lawyer, there is a book entitled “The Best Lawyers in America” or always get a referral for a lawyer from others in the community.  You can also check with National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA.org) for an attorney.

When you reach the point at which you have to retain a lawyer, seek out the best you can afford.  You will probably have to exhaust local remedies through the EEOC office through an investigation before winning a “right-to-sue letter” allowing you to take your case to court.

I have 3 e-books on workplace discrimination which you need to read WorkplaceSurvival Guide: How To Fight Discrimination, Whistleblowing and the Workers’Compensation System and Discrimination 101: The Complete Guide to Recognizing and Surviving Discrimination in the Workplace (Volume 1 & Volume 2).  Also check out my “Workplace Blog” at http://cathyharris-workplace.blogspot.com.