In Virginia, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is prohibited by 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 policies. They also must ensure that working environments are not hostile or biased towards a particular gender, and that it is not of an overtly sexual atmosphere.
What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?
The Equal Pay Act allows discrimination to be proven 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 prevail if an employer in Roanoke hires only one gender, promotes workers because of their gender, or retaliates against those seeking relief for this misconduct.
When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?
Any unwelcome sexual behavior directed at the victim, including physical or verbal acts, is considered to be sexual harassment. Employers in Roanoke might also be liable for the behavior, even when the conduct was done by an employee's co-worker.
A Virginia employer may also be liable for harassment if they allow conduct to lead to an environment that is overly sexual. The specific details for proving intent to discrimination can be complicated, and so gender discrimination might be hard to prove without an attorney. The procedures for filing can also be complex.