Employment discrimination cases in Michigan often center on an individual’s complaint about violations of employee rights, losing a job, or retaliation for raising an issue with the employer. Some cases, however, have to do with workplace discrimination that reaches a level in which the federal government will get involved and take the case on behalf of a group of workers who claim to have been treated unfairly. Those who have a case that might involve behaviors that are so egregious that the Justice Department should get involved need to know how to pursue their claim.
As an example, one need only look to a lawsuit that was filed against the State of Michigan by the U.S. Justice Department due to sex discrimination against female correction officers. According to the lawsuit, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law is meant to provide protections against discriminatory behaviors based on religion, national origin, sex, race, and color. The suit alleges that the state and the MDOC committed discrimination in one particular facility as it implemented a wide-ranging policy for females to receive limited assignments. It is also claimed that the State and the MDOC behaved in an unnecessary manner by refusing to grant requests for transfers.
According to the claim, the violations began in 2009 at a facility for female inmates. Despite requests for transfer by males being granted, the ones women made were not. The women had to work extra hours and it harmed their health. By filing this lawsuit, it is hoped that the court will recognize the discrimination and order it to cease. The 28 women involved in the case seek financial compensation as well as the right to transfer. The case was filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
There are many different ways in which an employee can be discriminated against in the workplace. People can be confronted with racial, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability discrimination. Those who believe they have had their legal rights violated by employment discrimination need to know how legal action could lead to the recovery of compensation. An experienced legal professional may be able to assist with this..
Source: Click On Detroit, “Feds sue Michigan over alleged discrimination of female corrections officers,” Halston Herrera, June 13, 2016
