Discrimination based on gender is prohibited for employers in Washington due to the Civil Rights Act of 1963, as well as 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 are also required to make sure that the working environment is neither hostile to a particular gender nor overtly sexual.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Under the Equal Pay Act, discrimination is proven when both men and women do the same type of work in the same job and yet are paid different wages. Discrimination claims in Lake Stevens can be shown where the employer only hires one gender, promotes employees on the basis of gender, or acts in retaliation against a worker who has complained of employer 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. An employer in Lake Stevens 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 Washington. It is typically somewhat challenging to prove gender discrimination if you don't have an attorney, because certain aspects such as proving intent can be complex. Pursuing a claim also involves following procedures, many of which can be detailed.