Pay Raise Discrimination

Competition in the workforce can incite a healthy dose of motivation amongst coworkers to succeed; however, when employees are competing for wage increases or promotions, things can get hostile, especially if someone believes they are being treated unfairly. Although employers are not supposed to evaluate employees based on any non-work related criteria, they oftentimes do. Despite fair-pay laws, many employers consider discriminatory factors when evaluating employees for pay raises.

Have You Been Discriminated Against?

In order to prevent discriminatory practices in the workplace, here is a list of things for workers to look out for:

• Have you repeatedly been denied pay raises without explanation?

• Have your coworkers received pay raises, but you have not?

• Do you believe pay raises are determined by an employer’s personal preference instead of performance?

• Have you been denied a pay increase because of your gender, race, or political beliefs?

If you have noticed any of the above behaviors, you may be the victim of pay-raise discrimination, and you may be eligible for compensation for wage-losses and emotional distress.

Who Is Discriminated Against?

According to recent studies, women and racial minorities are most commonly the victims of pay-raise discrimination. As of 2009, women still only earn approximately 77% of what their comparable male counterparts earn. Additionally, college educated African-Americans earn 78% of similarly educated Caucasians, while Hispanics earn only 75% of an equivalent Caucasian’s salary.

Injustices in the workplace affect the lives of millions of Americans every day. If you believe your employer is guilty of workplace discrimination, it is important that you defend the rights of you and your coworkers by seeking pursuing legal action.

What to Do If an Employer Discriminates?

In order to take action against discriminatory employers, you must hire an attorney. After discussing your case, if your lawyer believes that you have a solid case, they will help you file a claim against your employer. Afterward, each side will collect evidence that supports their case. Depending on the extent of your employer’s discrimination, you may be offered a settlement, in which case the dispute will be handled outside of the courtroom, or you may have to go to court and present your case before a judge.

Regardless of whether you settle out of court or appear before a judge, if discrimination is proven, you will be rewarded a monetary sum as recompense for the injustices you endured.

For more information on pay raise discrimination and filing a claim, contact the San Antonio employment lawyers of Melton & Kumler, LLP.

Joseph Devine

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