Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace is generally understood as treating a job applicant or employee unfavorably because they are pregnant. However, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits...
Maloney O'Laughlin PLLC fights for employees throughout Washington, from Seattle to Spokane.
Year: 2026
Age discrimination in Seattle tech hirings and layoffs
Seattle’s tech sector is always evolving, but that fast pace often leaves older workers behind. Age bias can manifest long before a hiring decision is made and can influence who gets laid off when companies restructure. Identifying these patterns helps workers...
Off-the-clock texts and group chats: Can that count as workplace harassment?
Harassment does not always stop at the time clock. Group chats and late‑night texts can follow you home and then trail you back onto the next shift. In Washington, off‑the‑clock messages can contribute to a hostile work environment when they tie to work and target a...
Is reassignment during pregnancy a form of discrimination?
A new role assignment during pregnancy can raise immediate questions about fairness, especially when you did not request the change.Recognizing when a reassignment becomes unlawful can help you understand what your options are when you need to file a complaint....
Who can experience national origin discrimination at work?
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) prohibits treating employees and job applicants unfavorably or favorably because they are from a particular country or part of the world. National origin is also a protected class under Washington Law Against...
Why clear communication matters in autism accommodation
Workplaces often rely on unspoken rules, shifting expectations and informal feedback. For many employees, those patterns may be manageable, but for others, they can create real barriers. Autistic individuals, in particular, may experience challenges when communication...
Can an employer deny you a promotion because of your age?
If you applied for a promotion and watched it go to a younger coworker, you may be wondering whether age played a role in the decision. Whether a denied promotion qualifies as age discrimination depends on your circumstances. Which laws protect older workers in...
Bathroom access issues may constitute disability discrimination
Disability discrimination can manifest as lost opportunities or a hostile work environment. Other times, companies may discriminate against workers by refusing to accommodate their medical needs. Accommodations should be reasonable and necessary. Some of them are...
An accent shouldn’t affect a worker’s opportunities
Language barriers are steadily becoming less of a workplace issue thanks to modern technology. There are now various software programs that can help translate spoken and written language, as well as photographs of signs or packaging in another language. There are also...
Are pregnant workers in Washington facing hidden discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination is more common than most people realize. Many women find that once they announce a pregnancy or return from maternity leave, their career quietly starts to stall. It's not because their performance changed, but because of assumptions. Experts...