Washington D.C. Federal Employment Lawyer
Work can be challenging enough without having to worry about a hostile work environment, discrimination, or harassment. Federal laws protect employees in the workplace from all of these, but despite strict regulations, hundreds of federal employees may experience challenges like this each year. Being discriminated against or bullied by a co-worker makes it very hard to put forth your best effort. Your contribution to the company and your own career can suffer. If you believe you’ve been a victim of workplace harassment or unfair employment practices, we can help. Contact a skilled Washington D.C. federal employment lawyer from Hoyer Law Group today to learn more.
Am I Being Harassed At Work?
Filing a complaint with your company is the first step to ending hostile or harassing behavior. Many people may not realize that what they brush off as “just joking” is actually a form of harassment. Using profanity at work, telling sexual or racist jokes, or making derogatory comments about a co-worker’s race, ethnicity, or gender can be considered as creating or contributing to a hostile work environment.
Vulgar or insensitive comments or conversations don’t have to be specifically directed at you for you to feel intimidated or uncomfortable. If a co-worker is showing dirty pictures to others in the break room, or if you can hear your fellow employee making racial jokes, then you may be a victim of harassment.
Anything off-color is not professional and does not belong in the workplace. You may feel too intimidated to speak up and ask those making the comments to stop, and that is understandable. You can take steps to report the complaints or speak with a Washington, D.C., federal employment lawyer about your options.
Am I Being Discriminated Against At Work?
The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) makes it illegal to discriminate against someone at work based on membership in a protected class, like:
- Race, color, or ethnicity
- National origin or where they were born
- Gender or sex
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Religion or creed
- Sexual orientation
- Handicap or disability
This means that your employer cannot base decisions on hiring, promotions, opportunities, or firing based on one of these characteristics.
That being said, most employers know this and may be more subtle about discrimination against certain people. If you notice that you’re being denied opportunities that you’re qualified for while others who don’t look like you are given these opportunities, you may be a victim of discrimination and should talk to a lawyer.
Your Rights As A Federal Employee
Just because you work for the federal government doesn’t mean you don’t have the same rights as any other worker. If you’re being harassed, your co-workers’ behavior makes it uncomfortable to do your job, or you believe you’re being discriminated against, you can speak up and alert your supervisor or the company’s Human Resources Department.
Your next step can be speaking with a skilled Washington D.C. federal employment lawyer. The Hoyer Law Group team can advise you about how to make a complaint with the EEOC. We can also determine if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation for any missed opportunities or your emotional trauma after being harassed or discriminated against. Call us today for a consultation to learn about your legal options.
