Workplace Discrimination in Pennsylvania: Protected Classes and Next Steps

Every employee deserves fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. When employers make decisions based on protected traits rather than job performance, they violate state and federal laws designed to protect workers. Schedule a consultation with a reputable employment lawyer at Mette Law. Our firm has over five decades of experience handling workplace discrimination claims.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination is when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of a protected characteristic. Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on numerous protected characteristics:

• Race and color
• National origin
• Sex and gender identity
• Religion
• Age (40 and older)
• Disability
• Pregnancy
• Sexual orientation
• Genetic information
• Military status

Common Types of Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination takes many forms in the workplace, and recognizing these patterns helps employees identify when their rights have been violated. Discriminatory conduct can affect hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, job assignments, and other terms of employment:

• Refusing to hire qualified candidates
• Denying promotions to deserving employees
• Paying unequal wages for similar work
• Denying disability or maternity leave
• Denying time off for religious observance
• Denying leave for a same-sex partner’s medical needs
• Laying off older employees while keeping younger ones
• Terminating workers without legitimate cause
• Creating a hostile work environment
• Retaliating against employees who file complaints

Employment Discrimination Laws in Pennsylvania

Both federal and state laws protect Pennsylvania workers from workplace discrimination. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act provides broader protections than some federal statutes and covers employers with four or more employees:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin for employers with 15 or more workers.
• Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of protected characteristics, including race, religion, ancestry, age, sex, and disability.
• Americans with Disabilities Act. Federal protections require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities.
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Workers age 40 and older are protected against age-based discrimination under federal law.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Workplace Discrimination in Pennsylvania

If you believe your employer has discriminated against you, taking prompt action protects your legal rights and strengthens your potential claim. Documentation and proper procedures play a significant role in successful discrimination cases:

• Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents
• Save emails, messages, and other relevant communications
• Report the discrimination to your human resources department
• File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
• Contact an employment attorney before deadlines expire
• Avoid discussing your complaint with coworkers
• Avoid posting to social media about the incidents

Contact an Experienced Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Don’t allow unethical employers to get away with unlawful discrimination. You do not have to face workplace discrimination alone or accept unfair treatment from your employer. Contact Mette Law at 717-232-5000 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation with a workplace discrimination attorney who will listen to your story and fight unceasingly for your rights.