Discrimination in the Workplace: Know Your Rights in Michigan

The workplace should be a space where individuals are treated fairly, based on their qualifications, skills, and abilities, rather than factors such as race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. Unfortunately, discrimination in the workplace still exists, and it can have far-reaching consequences for employees and their careers. In Michigan, as in the rest of the United States, there are legal protections in place to address workplace discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all. In this blog post, we will explore workplace discrimination, the laws that protect employees in Michigan, and what you can do if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination.

Understanding Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly or unfavorably because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. Discrimination can take various forms, including:

1. Hiring Discrimination: Refusing to hire or promote someone based on their protected characteristics.

 

2. Pay Discrimination: Paying employees differently for the same job based on their protected characteristics.

 

3. Harassment: Creating a hostile work environment through offensive jokes, slurs, or unwelcome comments related to protected characteristics.

 

4. Retaliation: Taking adverse action against an employee for reporting discrimination or participating in a discrimination investigation.

 

5. Failure to Accommodate: Failing to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities to perform their job duties.

 

6. Disparate Treatment: Treating employees differently in terms of discipline, assignments, or opportunities based on their protected characteristics.

Laws Protecting Workplace Rights in Michigan

Several federal and state laws protect the rights of employees in Michigan and address workplace discrimination. Some of the key laws include:

1. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

 

2. Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): ADEA protects employees and job applicants who are 40 years of age or older from age-related discrimination. It applies to employers with 20 or more employees.

 

3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment. Employers with 15 or more employees must comply with ADA and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities.

 

4. Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act: Michigan has its own civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, familial status, or marital status. This law applies to employers with one or more employees.

 

5. Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act: This Michigan law extends protections similar to the ADA to individuals with disabilities.

What to Do If You Experience Workplace Discrimination

If you believe you have experienced workplace discrimination in Michigan, here are the steps you can take:

1. Document the Discrimination: Keep detailed records of any incidents related to the discrimination, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and descriptions of what happened.

 

2. Report the Discrimination: If you feel safe doing so, report the discrimination to your supervisor, human resources department, or another appropriate authority within your organization. Follow your company’s internal procedures for reporting discrimination.

 

3. Consult an Attorney: If your concerns are not addressed or if you face retaliation for reporting discrimination, consult an experienced employment discrimination attorney. They can assess your situation and guide you on the best course of action.

 

4. File a Complaint: Depending on the circumstances, you may file a complaint with relevant government agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). These agencies investigate claims of workplace discrimination.

 

5. Consider Legal Action: If the investigation does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you may have the option to file a lawsuit against your employer for discrimination. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process.

Retaliation Protections

It’s important to note that the law also protects employees from retaliation for reporting workplace discrimination. If you experience adverse actions, such as demotion, termination, or other negative consequences, as a result of reporting discrimination, you may have a separate claim for retaliation.

Workplace discrimination is not only unjust but also illegal. In Michigan, employees have legal protections against discrimination based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and other characteristics. Knowing your rights and taking appropriate action if you experience discrimination is essential for upholding the principles of equality and fairness in the workplace. If you believe you’ve been a victim of workplace discrimination, consult with an experienced employment discrimination attorney at Marko Law Firm to explore your options and seek justice. Discrimination should never be tolerated, and the law is on your side to protect your rights and hold responsible parties accountable.