Employers in Massachusetts are prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of gender under the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. Accordingly, gender may not be the basis for any employer decisions regarding pay, hiring policies, or promotion requirements. They must also make sure that working environments will not be hostile towards a certain gender and that the work atmosphere is not overly sexual.

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. Also, a claim may prevail if an employer in Templeton 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 consists of any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature directed towards the victim, and includes both physical and verbal acts. Employers in Templeton might be held liable for the sexual harassment, even when it was a co-worker who actually engaged in the conduct.

Massachusetts employers who allow conduct to produce an overly sexual work atmosphere might also be held liable for sexual harassment. 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.