Protecting Employees Who Cry “Foul” – The Role of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act
Discrimination in the workplace is against public policy and violates the law in Pennsylvania. However, individuals might understandably be reluctant to voice their objections to discriminatory practices engaged in by their employers. Fortunately, employees willing to stand up and cry “foul,” can look to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to protect them against retaliation.
Discriminatory practices prohibited by the PHRA
The PHRA prohibits employers from terminating, refusing to hire or otherwise discriminating against individuals based on several factors, including:
- Race
- Color
- Familial status
- Religion
- Ancestry
- Age
- Gender
- National origin
- Disability
If you believe you have been the victim of a discriminatory practice by your employer, you only have a limited time within which to file a complaint. An attorney who handles discriminatory practice cases under the PHRA should be consulted to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Protection against retaliation
The PHRA encourages people to report violations of the law by making it an unlawful discriminatory practice for any employer to retaliate against an employee who objects to discriminatory practices. The protection against retaliation extends to the following:
- Individuals filing a complaint under the PHRA
- Individuals who oppose employer practices violating the PHRA
- Individuals who assist others in the filing of a complaint
- Individuals who testify on behalf of an employee in connection with a complaint under the PHRA
Employees need not fear voicing their objections to discriminatory practices or filing a complaint as a victim.
Getting sound legal advice with discrimination complaints
If you believe you are the victim of discrimination or retaliation by an employer, the Allentown attorneys at Charles Law Offices are there to protect you. Their unsurpassed knowledge of the law and experience make them a valuable source for legal advice, guidance and superior representation.