It can be stressful trying to find a job, let alone a good one. The anxieties associated with any job can be exacerbated when there are signs that discrimination is happening. People are protected against discrimination by law, but it still occurs in alarming numbers at companies all across the nation. For some employees, they may be discriminated against for their religious beliefs, whether directly or indirectly. If you see these warning signs in your workplace, then it may be time to have a lawyer intervene to protect you:
- A potential employer has refused to hire you due to religious practices/beliefs.
- An employer refuses to let you observe a holiday for your religion.
- Your employer will not accommodate your religious attire or grooming.
- Your employer has made outright hurtful remarks about your religion.
- Your employer seems to schedule meetings or training when you are not working or in conflict with your religious holidays/observances.
There may be times when an employee’s religion interferes with work, however, employers by law must make reasonable accommodations. Such accommodations may vary and can include hairstyles, facial hair, head scarves, or other types of dress. Or, employees may need to have certain work days off to observe religious holidays. As long as the request does not pose an undue hardship for the employer’s business, then they must abide by the accommodation.
Other signs of workplace discrimination include unequal pay, unjust disciplinary action, demeaning communication, age references, unfair promotions, and being asked personal or suspicious interview questions. As an Employment Lawyer at Law Group of Iowa would agree, knowing the signs of workplace discrimination can help people know when to take action to protect themselves.