Employers in Missouri are prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of gender under the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. 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 ensure that working conditions are not hostile toward any one gender and that the atmosphere is not overtly 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, discrimination can be proven if the employer in St. Clair is only hiring or issuing promotions based on one gender. A claim will also succeed 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 considered to be sexual harassment. An employer in St. Clair could also potentially be held liable for inappropriate behavior that was conducted by an employee's co-worker.

Missouri employers can also be held liable for sexual harassment if it allows conduct that leads to an overly sexual work environment. It can be difficult 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.