Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination means being treated worse at work because of who you are. Federal law and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act make it illegal to discriminate in hiring, firing, pay, promotions, assignments and discipline because of a protected trait.

Protected Classes Under Pennsylvania and Federal Law

Protected traits under Pennsylvania and federal law include:

• Race and color
• Sex, including pregnancy
• Age (40 and over under federal law, and Pennsylvania law protects workers 40 and over as well)
• Religion
• National origin and ancestry
• Disability
• Sexual orientation, gender identity and marital status under the PHRA

Discrimination is rarely announced. It shows up in patterns: who gets promoted, who gets the good assignments, who gets written up for things others do without consequence.

Signs You May Have a Case

• You were passed over for promotion in favor of less qualified colleagues
• Discipline and write-ups started only after a certain manager arrived
• Comments about your age, accent, religion or family plans appear in reviews or emails
• You were steered away from roles or clients based on a protected trait
• A job posting or interview question pointed at a protected trait

What To Do Now

1. Keep a dated log of incidents, decisions and who was involved
2. Save emails, reviews and messages rather than relying on memory
3. Use your employer’s complaint process if you feel able to, and keep a copy of what you submit
4. Note your deadlines: in most cases 180 days at the PHRC or 300 days at the EEOC
5. Talk to a lawyer before resigning, since quitting can complicate a case

Frequently Asked Questions

Are jokes and comments evidence of discrimination?

They can be. Stray remarks are not a case by themselves, but comments tied to employment decisions, or a pattern of them, help show what really drove the decision.

How long do I have to file?

In most Pennsylvania cases you have 180 days to file with the PHRC or 300 days with the EEOC, and one filing can cross-file with the other agency. Deadlines slip fast, so get advice early.

This page describes the law in general terms. It is not legal advice for your specific situation, and deadlines can be short. Call the firm for a free evaluation of your case.