The Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act prohibit employers in Alabama from discriminating on the basis of gender. In accordance, employers may not take gender into account when making decisions regarding wages, hiring, or promotions. 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?

Under the Equal Pay Act, discrimination is proven when both men and women do the same type of work in the same job and yet are given different wages. Furthermore, a claim may prevail if an employer in Enterprise hires only one gender, promotes workers because of their gender, or retaliates against those seeking relief for this misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Any unwelcome sexual behavior directed at the victim, including physical or verbal acts, is considered to be sexual harassment. An employer in Enterprise could also potentially be held liable for inappropriate behavior that was conducted by an employee's co-worker.

Alabama employers who allow conduct to produce an overly sexual work atmosphere might also be held liable for sexual harassment. The specific details for proving intent to discrimination can be complicated, and so gender discrimination might be hard to prove without an attorney. The procedures for filing can also be complex.