If you are an hourly worker in Washington state, you might work in a large warehouse or a factory. The workplace is often home to many different languages. It is natural to speak your native language to coworkers during a break or while doing a job where you do not...
Maloney O'Laughlin PLLC fights for employees throughout Washington, from Kirkland to Spokane.
Race And National Origin Discrimination
Complaints about an accent could indicate discrimination
The United States is largely a country built by immigrants. People fleeing persecution or seeking more opportunities travel to the United States. They settle here with their families, seek out employment and become contributing members of society. National origin is a...
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...
What is indirect discrimination?
Indirect discrimination occurs when a company rule applies to everyone but ends up putting certain groups at a disadvantage. It’s not always obvious and may not be intentional. Still, it can have real impacts on people based on characteristics like race, religion,...
Is foreign education used to disqualify workers?
Sometimes, employers rely on biased assumptions about foreign education. If your degree or training came from another country, that shouldn't automatically count against you. In Washington, workers have protections if they're treated unfairly because of where or how...
What are examples of country of origin discrimination at work?
If you've experienced discrimination based on your country of origin at work, you're not alone. This type of discrimination happens when an employer or coworker treats you unfairly due to your nationality, ethnicity, or accent. Washington state law provides...
Washington employees are protected from hair discrimination
Discrimination can come in many forms. Some people focus on racial discrimination that stems from the color of someone’s skin; however, there’s another type of racial discrimination that occurs far too often. Some individuals are subjected to discrimination because...
Understanding immigration status discrimination in the workplace
Experiencing discrimination at work because of your immigration status or country of origin can feel overwhelming. It is important to understand your rights and the protections available to you. What immigration status discrimination looks like Discrimination can...