Employers in Maine are banned from discriminating against employees on the basis of gender under the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. Consequently employers cannot use sex or gender as a basis for determinations regarding wages, hiring policies, or promotion policies. They must also ensure that the workplace environment is not hostile to a certain gender and that it is not overly sexual.

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 paid different wages. Also, discrimination can be proven if the employer in Orono is only hiring or issuing promotions based on one gender. A claim will also prevail if the employer retaliates against workers who seek relief for discrimination.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Sexual harassment encompasses all unwanted sexual behavior, whether verbal or physical, directed at the victim. Employers in Orono may be held liable for the sexual harassment, even when it was a co-worker who directly engaged in the conduct.

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