Employees have the right to work in a safe environment, receive fair wages for work performed, and be free from discrimination and harassment and retaliation in their place of employment. 

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Who is protected?

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) protects employees from being discriminated against based on the following categories:

 

• Race, color

• Ancestry, national origin

• Religion, creed

• Age

• Disability, mental and physical

• Sex, gender (pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions)

• Sexual orientation

• Gender identity and expression

• Medical conditions

• Genetic information

• Marital status

• Military or veteran status

 

If you have been discriminated against or have suffered harassment, by your employer, you may be entitled to recover: 

• Lost Earnings

• Future lost earnings

• Out-of-pocket expenses

• Damages for emotional distress

• Punitive damages

 

Further, by coming forward with your claim, you may prevent other employees from suffering the same harm. The following changes may result from bringing an employment case against your workplace:

• Policy changes

• Training

• Reasonable accommodation(s)