Employers in Michigan 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 make sure that working environments will not be hostile towards a particular 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 nonetheless paid in different amounts. Also, discrimination can be proven if the employer in Traverse City 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?

Physical or verbal acts of a sexual nature that are unwelcome to the victim are regarded to be sexual harassment. An employer in Traverse City might be liable for such conduct, even when it is simply other co-workers that have engaged in harassment.

If the employer permits conduct to create an overly sexual work environment, they may be held liable for sexual harassment in Michigan. Without a lawyer, it can be difficult to prove gender discrimination because the details in proving intent are often complicated. Furthermore, there can be specific procedures that must be closely followed in pursuing a claim.