Anti-discrimination laws aim to ensure workplace equality across a wide array of categories. One of the mainstays in workplace discrimination law is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Since its enactment, the Civil Rights Act has been amended by subsequent legislation to extend anti-discrimination protection to other categories. For example, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act provided that employers could not discriminate against pregnant women in such decisions as whether to hire an applicant or terminate an employee.

While some companies violate the PDA and other anti-discrimination statutes, the laws provide people with legal recourse. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently announced a settlement in a pregnancy discrimination case in which the employer will have to provide $23,000 in compensation and take other steps to prevent instances of discrimination in the future.

In that case, a woman applied for an open administrative assistant position at a home health services and nursing company. She was initially given the job, but when the company learned that she was expecting a child, it backpedaled. Stating that the position had already been filled, the company declined to hire her.

The woman brought the company’s conduct to the attention of the EEOC, which filed a workplace discrimination lawsuit on her behalf. Under the terms of the case settlement, the company must provide training to employees and managers and must display its anti-discrimination policy at its locations. In addition, if the company fails to pay the $23,000, the woman can seek payment from the owners, who have guaranteed the settlement award.

Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “Capri Home Care Pays $23,000 to Settle EEOC Pregnancy Discrimination Suit,” Oct. 31, 2012

• While some employers’ unfair actions do not give rise to a cause of action under anti-discrimination laws, it is essential that workers and applicants know their rights to be treated fairly in the hiring, promotion and termination processes. You can learn more by visiting our Kingston employment discrimination page.