Workplace Rights
Your civil rights in the workplace — discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
- 1.If experiencing discrimination or harassment, document everything in writing
- 2.Report through your company's official channels (HR, supervisor) and keep records
- 3.If retaliated against for reporting, that is also illegal — document it separately
- 4.Request accommodations for disabilities in writing
- 5.If fired or facing adverse action, ask for the reason in writing
Your Rights
- ✓Right to a workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin (Title VII)
- ✓Right to equal pay for equal work regardless of sex (Equal Pay Act)
- ✓Right to reasonable accommodation for disabilities (ADA)
- ✓Right to take family and medical leave without retaliation (FMLA)
- ✓Right to organize and engage in collective action (NLRA)
- ✓Right to report violations without retaliation (whistleblower protections)
Key Phrases to Use
"I am formally reporting this incident of [discrimination/harassment] in writing."
"I am requesting a reasonable accommodation under the ADA for [condition]."
"I believe this action constitutes retaliation for my protected activity."
"Please provide the reason for this action in writing."
What Officers Cannot Do
Discriminate in hiring, firing, pay, or conditions based on protected characteristics
Create or allow a hostile work environment based on protected characteristics
Retaliate against employees who report discrimination or harassment
Deny reasonable accommodations for disabilities without undue hardship justification
Interfere with workers' rights to organize
Key Cases
Court rulings related to this situation.