Workers in the United States have protections against discrimination. There are a variety of protected classes defined by the EEOC. These include, but are not limited to, characteristics like age, race, national origin, sex, disability or pregnancy. That said, even...
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Pregnancy discrimination at work: Common signs and what to do
You are doing your job well, but after you share that you are pregnant, your hours slip, comments start or opportunities dry up. You might be wondering if you are facing pregnancy discrimination and what you can do in Washington state. The short answer is that the law...
What if a pregnant employee cannot do physical labor?
Employers are not allowed to discriminate against employees who have become pregnant. If an employee reports that she is pregnant to her boss, and he immediately fires her as a result, it is a wrongful termination. That said, certain jobs do require physical labor....
How do you prove a country of origin discrimination claim?
Country of origin discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly because of their national origin or ethnicity. Washington state law and federal law both make this kind of discrimination illegal. If you face this treatment, you can file a claim to...
Could a dress code lead to national origin discrimination?
Immigrants and naturalized citizens often do their best to assimilate into American culture. However, they may also want to honor their national origins and culture. Frequently, clothing, hairstyles and even makeup play a role in how people honor their past while...
Can your employer ask about your immigration status?
Employers may ask about your work authorization during hiring, but they cannot ask about your immigration status or country of origin unless the law specifically requires it. In Washington, state laws offer extra protections that help prevent misuse of...
5 examples of workplace accommodations for employees with visual impairment
If you have a visual impairment, certain tasks at work can be more challenging. With the right accommodations, you can get the tools and environment you need to perform your job effectively. These adjustments are meant to help you do your job without unnecessary...
Can employers refuse to provide disability accommodations?
People with disabling medical conditions frequently need support to safely and effectively work. They may require assistive technology, accessible workspaces or even work-from-home employment arrangements. Employers often agree to provide reasonable accommodations for...
When can employers fire a pregnant worker?
You probably know someone who was let go because they got pregnant. Perhaps they were given a good severance package, and yet you wonder: was that even legal? Being pregnant doesn't give your employer the right to just push you out. Seattle has strong laws protecting...
When pregnancy leads to a hostile work environment
Sometimes, pregnancy discrimination is overt and direct. Employers terminate pregnant workers when they start showing or refuse to accommodate them when they have medical restrictions on their job functions. They fire or demote pregnant women for taking paid or even...