Discrimination based on gender is prohibited for employers in Vermont according to the Civil Rights Act of 1963, as well as the Equal Pay Act. Accordingly, employers may not take sex into account when they determine pay, hire new workers, or promote within the company. They are also required to make sure that the working environment is neither hostile to a specific gender nor overtly sexual.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Discrimination occurs according to the Equal Pay Act if both men and women are working in the same job and performing the same tasks, yet receive different wages. Also, a claim may prevail if an employer in Brattleboro hires only one gender, promotes workers because of their gender, or retaliates against those seeking relief for this misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Sexual harassment encompasses any unwelcome or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that is directed at the victim, whether it is physical or verbal. Employers in Brattleboro might also be liable for the behavior, even when the conduct was done by an employee's co-worker.

Vermont employers may also be liable for allowing conduct to lead to a work environment that is overly sexual. Gender discrimination is usually difficult to prove without a lawyer because the specifics of proving intent can be complicated. There are also detailed procedures that must be followed when pursuing a claim.