Understanding the difference between workplace discrimination and harassment
When it becomes difficult to handle a workplace situation, you may think of filing a lawsuit. However, the question is do you know which laws protect you, or which rights of yours were violated. It is best to consider a labor lawyers help before you take any legal action against anyone at the organization.
Many have the misconception that discrimination and harassment are the same legal issues. New Jersey laws outline that any job-related decision taken on grounds like race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and such ‘protected’ traits is discrimination.
Discriminatory practices may pertain to hiring or firing, promotions, privileges, and such others and require to be related to the employment. If you think that your superior or employer’s decision to fire you was prompted by the knowledge of the ‘protected’ traits, you have the right to take them to a New Jersey court on charges of discrimination.
Harassment, on the other hand, has nothing to do with your employment. It is misconduct on the part of the perpetrator. Insults at the workplace, hostile behavior, racist humor, sexual advances, unwarranted physical contact, and such others qualify as instances of workplace harassment.
Whether it is discrimination or harassment, it is illegal and you need to put a stop to it. You need the help of competent NJ labor lawyers to understand which category your case falls in. It becomes easier to determine the category and take legal action subsequently with the aid of a lawyer. Adequate legal representation can also help you seek justice.