Military or Veteran Status Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Claims
At LCK Law, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of military service members and veterans who face discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace. Federal and state laws protect employees from unfair treatment based on their military service or veteran status. Unfortunately, many service members and veterans still experience mistreatment in employment settings. If you have faced discrimination or harassment due to your military service or veteran status, or have been retaliated against for asserting your rights, we are here to help you seek justice and fair treatment.
Military or Veteran Status Discrimination
Discrimination based on military or veteran status occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly because of their past or current military service. This can include:
- Unfair hiring, firing, or promotion decisions based on military service or veteran status
- Unequal pay or denial of benefits due to being a veteran or active-duty military member
- Failure to provide reasonable accommodations for employees who need time off for military obligations, such as training or deployment
- Denying employment opportunities or benefits because an employee is a veteran or currently serving in the military
Both The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and state laws like the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provide protections against military or veteran status discrimination. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your service, you may have a legal claim and can seek remedies for your employer’s violations.
Military or Veteran Status Harassment
Harassment based on military or veteran status occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome, discriminatory conduct that creates a hostile or abusive work environment because of their military service or veteran status. Examples of harassment include:
- Derogatory comments, slurs, or jokes about a person’s military service or veteran status
- Exclusion from job opportunities or social activities because of being a veteran or active-duty service member
- Verbal or physical abuse related to someone’s military service or status as a veteran
- Mocking or belittling military service or veterans in front of coworkers
Employers have a legal obligation to address and prevent harassment based on military service or veteran status. If you have experienced harassment, and it has created a hostile work environment or negatively impacted your career, you may be entitled to seek legal action and pursue compensation for your damages.
Retaliation for Reporting Military or Veteran Status Discrimination or Harassment
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for asserting their rights under the law. This can happen when an employee:
- Reports military or veteran status discrimination or harassment to HR or management
- Requests leave or accommodations for military obligations, such as deployment, training, or service-related injuries
- Filing a complaint with government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Labor, under USERRA
Retaliatory actions can include:
- Termination, demotion, or reassignment to a less favorable position
- Denial of promotions or raises because the employee asserted their rights
- Negative performance reviews or unfair disciplinary actions in response to a complaint or request related to military service
- Reduction of hours or reassignment of job duties in retaliation for asserting military-related rights
Both USERRA and state laws prohibit retaliation against employees who engage in protected activities, such as reporting discrimination or requesting accommodations related to military service. If you have experienced retaliation, it is critical to take action to protect your rights.
How We Can Help
At LCK Law, we are passionate about protecting the rights of military service members and veterans. Our firm is committed to ensuring that employees are treated fairly and without discrimination based on their military service. We have a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding military and veteran status claims and are here to help you navigate the legal process.
If you have faced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on your military service or veteran status, we can help you seek justice. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you obtain the compensation and remedies you deserve.