Asserting Workers’ Rights In Court

People who work and apply for jobs in the Stratford area have legal rights. In Connecticut, both state and federal laws protect workers from discrimination and sexual harassment. But enforcing those rights is often up to the individual who has been the target of illegal misconduct in their workplace.

Fortunately, you can turn to experienced and hardworking legal counsel for help. At Mitchell & Sheahan, P.C., our attorneys have decades of combined legal experience helping workers obtain just compensation following workplace discrimination and harassment. Our firm represents both employers and employees, and we know state and federal employment law thoroughly. We do what it takes to present a compelling case backed by the evidence, and we are always willing to go to trial.

What Is Illegal Workplace Discrimination In Connecticut?

The law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees and job applicants based on their inclusion in certain “protected classes,” including:

• Age
• Ancestry
• Color
• Learning disability
• Marital status
• Intellectual disability
• National Origin
• Physical disability
• Mental disability
• Race
• Religious creed
• Sex
• Gender identity or expression
• Sexual orientation
• Status as a veteran

Discrimination can take place at any point within the scope of employment. Here are a few examples of illegal workplace discrimination:

• Hiring a less-qualified job applicant because of the more qualified applicant’s gender
• Passing over a worker for promotion, despite positive job reviews, because the worker is 55 years old
• Firing, demoting or punishing a worker because of their race

While an employer has a great deal of power when it comes to hiring, promoting and firing its workforce, the law still prohibits these types of discriminatory actions. But you must enforce your rights yourself. One of our attorneys can explain your rights to you in greater detail and guide you through the process of filing a complaint, appearing in a state or federal administrative hearing, and going to trial, if necessary.

Sexual Harassment Overview

Sexual harassment can happen in two ways:

• Unwanted sexual advances, jokes, comments, photos, etc., from a boss, supervisor or co-worker that create a hostile work environment
• Demands or requests for sexual favors in exchange for a raise, promotion or other benefit, or threats to fire or punish a worker if they do not comply

You have the right to a workplace free of sexual harassment. If your employer refuses to put a stop to the harassment you are going through, or if they retaliated against you for reporting harassment, we will help you stand up for your rights. We will seek maximum compensation and work to put a stop to mismanagement and misconduct at that business.

Your Rights Matter

Nobody has to tolerate discrimination or sexual harassment at work. Talk to one of our employment law attorneys about what happened to you, and get answers to all your legal questions. Call 203-527-0190 to reach Mitchell & Sheahan, P.C., at our Stratford office and schedule an appointment. You can also email us to get in touch.