In Pennsylvania, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is banned by the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. Therefore, employers may not take sex into account when they determine pay, hire new workers, or promote within the company. 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?

The Equal Pay Act allows discrimination to be shown if it can be shown that both men and women work for the same employer doing the same tasks, and yet are paid differently. Furthermore, a claim may succeed if an employer in New Kensington hires only one gender, promotes workers because of their gender, or retaliates against those seeking relief for this misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

All unwelcome sexual behavior directed at the victim, including physical or verbal acts, is considered to be sexual harassment. Employers in New Kensington may also be liable for the behavior, even when the conduct was done by an employee's co-worker.

If the employer permits conduct to create an overly sexual work environment, they may be held liable for sexual harassment in Pennsylvania. 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.