Gender Discrimination Lawyers in Midland

Gender discrimination, often referred to as sexism, is defined as discrimination based on gender, and women are often the recipient. Sexist attitudes, conditions, or behaviors that promote stereotyping of social roles based on gender occur often in the workplace and can result in an employee being treated differently because of their gender. This treatment often affects the terms and conditions of their employment and can include both men and women though women have been predominantly targeted.

Gender Discrimination Prohibited

There are three Federal laws that were enacted to prohibit gender discrimination in employment. These laws are the Equal Pay Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act; and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

• Equal Pay Act of 1963 – offered as an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act which prohibits the payment of unequal wages to men and women who perform essentially the same job.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – passed in an effort to prohibit discrimination in any aspect of employment based on gender, race, religion or national origin. Title VII also prohibits employers from making employment decisions based upon stereotypical assumptions related to gender.
• Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 – this act amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act making it illegal to discriminate against either parent on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or other medically related condition.

These federal laws prohibit discrimination in the terms or conditions of employment including hiring, firing, job assignments, wages, benefits, promotions or layoffs. Even though these acts have been in effect for decades, there are still many problems with discrimination that are encountered throughout the workforce based upon gender.

Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

Gender discrimination continues to occur in the workplace despite the laws that prohibit it. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women who work 41-44 hours per week earn less than men who work similar hours. In addition, women earn just 84.6% of what men earn working similar hours. As women work longer hours, the disparity in pay gets even worse – women who work more than 60 hours per week earn just 78.3% of what men earn when working similar hours.

Unfortunately, even though laws have been passed, gender discrimination continues to be a problem – for both males and females. Supervisors may pass over women in certain areas such as traditional occupations of auto and diesel engine mechanics or in the engineering or finance industries. Men are also on the receiving end of this type of treatment – particularly when they are employed in occupations dominated by women such as child care and administrative support or in industries such as education and nursing that have traditionally been female oriented occupations.

Protect Your Rights

If you have been discriminated against in the workplace due to your gender, you have the right to file a lawsuit for gender discrimination. The federal laws enacted to counter gender discrimination laws also allow for recovery of back wages, benefits and damages incurred including attorney’s fees and court costs. Call the experienced attorneys at Zinda Law Group and let us help you get the justice that you deserve. Call today at (800) 863-5312 to get a free consultation with one of our attorneys.