What Type of Conduct is Prohibited in Missouri?
Employers in Missouri are prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of gender under the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. As such, employers may not use make any determinations based on gender in any areas such as wage amounts, hiring, and promotion criteria. They also must ensure that working environments are not hostile or biased towards a particular gender, and that it is not of an overtly sexual atmosphere.
What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?
Discrimination can be proven under the Equal Pay act if both men and women do the same type of work for the same employer but are nevertheless paid in different amounts. Employers in Florissant will also be held liable in a discrimination claim if their hiring and promotion policies favor one gender, or if the they take retaliatory action against a worker who files a complaint against their employer.
When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?
Physical or verbal acts of a sexual nature that are unwelcome to the victim are considered to be sexual harassment. Employers in Florissant might be held liable for the sexual harassment, even when it was a co-worker who actually engaged in the conduct.
A Missouri employer could also be liable for harassment if they allow conduct to lead to an environment that is overly sexual. Gender discrimination is usually difficult to prove without a lawyer because the specifics of proving intent can be complicated. There are also detailed procedures that must be followed when pursuing a claim.
