In the state of Georgia, most employees are considered to be “at will.” This means that they can be terminated or may quit for any reason or no reason at all. However, there are some exceptions to this. There are certain protected classes of people. This means that employers are prohibited from terminating an employee simply because he or she falls into one of these classes of people. Under Georgia law these protected groups include race, color, national origin, religion, sex (for wage discrimination), disability, and age.
It is important to understand that color is different from race. Color refers to an individual’s skin shade or complexion. (You may be a certain race but perceived as a different race based on your skin color.) If you can prove that you were discriminated against due to the color of your skin, you may have an EEOC claim.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employees are protected from being discriminated against due to the color of their skin. Discriminatory behavior includes:
- Receiving less compensation, different employment terms, worse conditions, or privileges
- Being subjected to further inquiries and requirements prior to being hired
- Being treated differently during the recruiting, hiring, and advancement processes
- Segregation and classification due to your skin color
- Harassment
- Retaliation – especially after you have brought a claim for discrimination
Report Any Incidents as Soon as Possible
If you believe that you have been a victim of discrimination by your employer due to the color of your skin, you have 180 days from the date of the incident in Georgia to report the incident. However, if you are a federal employee, you only have 45 days to speak with an Equal Employment Opportunity counselor.
Unfortunately, if you fail to report the discriminatory behavior within the time constraints, you may lose the chance to recover compensation all together. For this reason, it’s in your best interest to bring your claim to light as soon as possible. Contact a knowledgeable and experienced Georgia employment attorney right away. He or she can help you to fight for your rights and that to which you are entitled.
The GA Employment Law Attorneys at Pankey & Horlock, LLC Can Help
If you believe that you have been fired from your job against federal regulations, it’s important that you understand your rights and what you are entitled to. You may be unsure as to whether or not you have the right to compensation or reinstatement of your job. Fortunately, the attorneys at Pankey & Horlock, LLC can help you to figure out whether your rights have been violated and can hold your employer and those responsible for such treatment accountable. At Pankey & Horlock, LLC, our attorneys understand the importance of such cases and are here to help. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!