The Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act prohibit employers in Iowa 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 make sure that the working environment is neither hostile to a specific gender nor 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. Also, a claim may prevail if an employer in West Des Moines hires only one gender, promotes workers because of their gender, or retaliates against those seeking relief for this misconduct.

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 West Des Moines might be held liable for the sexual harassment, even when it was a co-worker who actually engaged in the conduct.

If the employer allows conduct to create an overly sexual work environment, they might be held liable for sexual harassment in Iowa. It is usually somewhat difficult to prove gender discrimination if you don't have an attorney, because certain aspects such as proving intent can be complex. Pursuing a claim also involves following procedures, many of which can be detailed.