Discrimination can occur in any workplace, even in the federal sector. Such discrimination occurs when an employee is treated harshly or unfairly because of specific attributes.
Poor treatment because of these attributes is illegal because it violates the laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Characteristics protected by the commission include:
- Race, color or national origin
- Religion
- Age
- Sex
- Disabilities
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
If you work in the federal sector and another employee treats you unfairly based on any of the bases listed above, they are discriminating against you. Even so, you may find it difficult to notice when someone is harassing or targeting you. Sometimes your colleagues at the workplace can be indirect or subtle about their unfair behavior. Because of this, it is essential to know what discrimination looks like.
Major signs of workplace discrimination in the federal sector
Employers and employees alike might treat you differently for factors such as your race, gender or religion. Some of the biggest signs of discrimination in the federal sector include:
- Verbal harassment, namely slurs, offensive jokes and stereotypical comments
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Refusing to accommodate religious beliefs, disabilities or conditions related to pregnancy
- Denied the same career and training opportunities as coworkers
- Unequal wages for equal work
- Excessive disciplinary warnings and punishments
- Unfair performance evaluations
- Retaliation
It is important to keep a watchful eye out for unfair treatment. Unlike the private sector, employees in the federal sector only have 45 days to report problems after they happen. These issues are typically resolved through counseling and mediation, but in instances where the problem escalates or is left unfixed, employees must file formal complaints with the EEOC.
Discrimination might not always be obvious or easy to notice. It is difficult to report incidents without proof or evidence. Identifying these actions can be a challenge if you do not know what to look for, which is why many people get help from their attorneys.
Understanding employment laws
Making sense of employment laws can be difficult without the guidance of a legal professional. If you feel you are being treated unfairly at work and are unsure whether or not you are facing discrimination, you may need to consult an attorney.