Birmingham Workplace Harassment Attorneys
Dedicated to Fighting for Equality in the Workplace
There are various laws and ordinances in place that protect employees from harassment due to their race, gender, age, and other distinguishing factors. While we normally think of workplace harassment as involving sexual harassment, this is not always the case. Individuals can be victims of several different forms of workplace harassment besides sexual harassment.
What is Defined as Workplace Harassment?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) broadly defines harassment as unwelcome behavior, which can be either verbal or physical. There are two different kinds of treatment that can constitute harassment.
- Harassment that is severe or pervasive enough to create an uncomfortable or fearful work environment is a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment can be created by someone in management as well as a co-worker or even customer.
- Harassment results in a change in the victim's employment status or benefits (e.g. a demotion, wrongful termination, denial of promotion). This type of harassment can sometimes be quid pro quo harassment. Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase that translate as "this for that." Given that the nature of this type of harassment affects an employee’s status or benefits it is most often inflicted by those in management positions.
Common Examples of Workplace Harassment
The following are common forms of harassment that occur in workplaces in Alabama:
- Unwelcome comments or demeaning behavior related to a person’s race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, or disability
- Racial slurs and personal insults
- Derogatory language, homophobic slurs, or disparaging remarks about someone's perceived sexual orientation
- Expressions of disgust or intolerance toward a particular race
- Intimidation through threats or displaying discriminatory symbols
- Arguing about religion or attempting to change someone's viewpoint regarding religion
- Physical conduct such as hitting, pushing, groping, and other forms of unwelcome touching
- Ignoring the contributions of workers age 40 and over
- Age-related jokes
- Displaying offensive images or making obscene gestures
We Will Fiercely Advocate for Your Rights in the Workplace
If you are experiencing treatment that results in any of these scenarios, then you may be able to pursue legal action to end the harassment. It is important to consult with a reliable harassment attorney in order to effectively protect your rights. Our legal team understands the severity of the situation that you face, and we will fight for the results you deserve. We have served the residents of Birmingham, Alabama for 9 years, and we can put our 20+ years of combined experience to work for you!
For a free confidential case evaluation with a compassionate lawyer at Michel | King, please give us a call at (205) 265-1880 so we can provide the legal advice you need to make informed decisions.
