What Type of Conduct is Prohibited in Illinois?
The Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act prohibit employers in Illinois from discriminating on the basis of gender. As such, employers may not use make any determinations based on gender in any areas such as wage amounts, hiring, and promotion criteria. They are also required to ensure that working conditions are not hostile toward any one gender and that the atmosphere is not overtly sexual.
What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?
Discrimination occurs according to the Equal Pay Act if both men and women are working in the same job and performing the same tasks, yet receive different wages. A discrimination claim may also succeed when employers in Springfield hire only one specific gender, issues promotions based on gender, or retaliates against persons who seek relief for employer misconduct.
When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?
Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual behavior, whether verbal or physical, directed at the victim. A Springfield employer could be held liable for the unwelcome conduct, even if it was an employee's co-worker who engaged in the sexual harassment.
Illinois employers may also be liable for allowing conduct to lead to a work environment that is overly sexual. It can be difficult to prove gender discrimination without first obtaining a lawyer, since specifics such as proving intent can often be complicated. There might also be procedures that must be followed in detail when one pursues a claim.
