Genetic Information Claims May Be Pursued by the EEOC

Genetic Information Claims May Be Pursued by the EEOC

It is generally not possible for an employer to use a person’s genetic information to make an employment decision. This is true whether the company is in California or any other state. Employment decisions could include choosing whether to hire someone, terminate an individual or promote someone. If an individual believes that his or her genetic information has been misused, he or she can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

PayPal Employee Alleges Gender Discrimination

PayPal Employee Alleges Gender Discrimination

Generally speaking, companies around the country are not allowed to make employment decisions based on an employee’s gender. A woman has filed a lawsuit against Northern California-based PayPal Holdings, Inc., claiming that she was passed over for a job because of travel requirements and the fact that she had a young child. However, she claims that she had previously lived in Europe and traveled internationally many times in the past.

California Moves to End Hair Discrimination in the Workplace

California Moves to End Hair Discrimination in the Workplace

The definition of professional varies significantly in the working world. Some companies require employees to wear a suit or a skirt at all times. Others might allow their employees to wear blue jeans seven days a week. Regardless of the definition of professional in the workplace, most people think it refers to a dress code. However, people of color across the nation might disagree. 

LGBT Discrimination Cases Head to High Court

LGBT Discrimination Cases Head to High Court

For LGBT workers in California, workplace discrimination continues to be a major concern. The U.S. Supreme Court will be taking up a case to assess once more whether or not federal civil rights law provides nationwide protection against discrimination on the job on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The high court said that it will hear some cases alleging that the plaintiffs were fired due to their sexual orientation as well as the case of a funeral home worker who was fired after announcing she was transitioning to living as a woman.

Age Discrimination Often a Barrier for Older Workers

Age Discrimination Often a Barrier for Older Workers

These days, turning a profit is a top priority for many American business owners. Unfortunately, some employers try to cut costs and boost their bottom lines by discriminating against older people. As you can probably imagine, older workers tend to have more experience, and as a result, they often expect and deserve higher salaries. Some employers avoid having to pay those higher salaries by only hiring younger workers.

How Ageism Impacts American Workers

How Ageism Impacts American Workers

California workers who are 40 or older have legal protection against ageism in the workplace. From a legal standpoint, age discrimination is viewed as seriously as discrimination based on race, gender or other protected attributes. However, it is not uncommon for workers to be terminated or otherwise passed over for younger workers within an organization. This happens at companies of all sizes and regardless of a person’s salary.