Employers in Illinois are prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of gender under the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. Accordingly, employers may not take sex into account when they determine pay, hire new workers, or promote within the company. 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 nonetheless paid in different amounts. Furthermore, a claim may prevail if an employer in Winthrop Harbor hires only one gender, promotes workers because of their gender, or retaliates against those seeking relief for this misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Sexual harassment encompasses any unwelcome or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that is directed at the victim, whether it is physical or verbal. Employers in Winthrop Harbor might be held liable for the sexual harassment, even when it was a co-worker who really 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 Illinois. It can be hard 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.