New York Employment Discrimination

Lawyers for Justice, P.C. (LFJ) is a law firm that specializes in employment law. The team of attorneys are committed to delivering justice for those who have been wronged by negligent and/or reckless employers. With decades of experience fighting for people’s rights, the firm has an established track record of securing just compensation and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.

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NYC Workplace Discrimination Statistics

Even though New York has some of the most progressive anti-discrimination laws in the nation, the numbers show that discrimination remains a significant problem. Each year, thousands of complaints are filed with the New York City Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The NYCCHR reported that in recent years, the most common workplace discrimination claims have been related to race, gender, and disability. National data from the EEOC shows that more than 60,000 charges of workplace discrimination are filed annually across the country, with New York consistently ranking among the top states for the highest number of cases.

These statistics underscore the sobering reality that, despite New York’s reputation for diversity and inclusion, workplace discrimination persists, and employees are denied equal opportunities, dignity, and fair treatment under the law.

Laws That Protect Employees From Discrimination

Employees in New York City are protected by multiple layers of laws from federal, to state, to even local laws. At the federal level, laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibit discrimination based on characteristics like race, religion, disability, and age.

New York State law provides even stronger protections through the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL). Under this law, discrimination is prohibited in all workplaces, regardless of the size of the employer and it is considered as one of the broadest and most protective civil rights laws in the country.

The NYCHRL not only protects against discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, and religion but also includes protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, immigration status, marital status, and even caregiver status. Together, these laws make New York City one of the strongest jurisdictions in the country for protecting employees against workplace discrimination.

What Qualifies as Discrimination in NYC?

Workplace discrimination can take many forms. In some cases, it is overt, such as termination based on race, or denial of a promotion due to pregnancy. In other situations, discrimination is more subtle, involving repeated exclusion from opportunities in favor of less qualified coworkers, or exposure to crude and insensitive remarks or behavior that foster a hostile work environment.

In New York City, workplace discrimination can look like:

• Hiring and Promotion Discrimination – When job applicants or employees are denied opportunities because of a protected characteristic.
• Unequal Pay – Paying employees differently for the same work based on gender or other discriminatory reasons.
• Harassment – Offensive comments, slurs, or behavior that create a hostile or intimidating workplace.
• Wrongful Termination – Being fired or laid off because of discrimination rather than legitimate business reasons.
• Failure to Accommodate – Employers refusing to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, religious practices, or pregnancy-related needs.

How Can Workers in NYC Protect Their Rights Against Workplace Discrimination?

When workplace discrimination is suspected, it is important to act quickly and strategically. The first step is to document all incidents by maintaining detailed records of dates, times, witnesses, and any related communications. Employees should also preserve emails, performance reviews, and text messages that may reveal bias or unfair treatment.

The next step is to review the employer’s internal policies for reporting discrimination. Many organizations require employees to notify HR or a supervisor. Making an HR report is often advisable, as it demonstrates an attempt to resolve the matter internally. Beyond HR, employees are strongly encouraged to consult an experienced NYC workplace discrimination lawyer. Legal counsel can explain rights under federal, state, and city law and provide guidance on the most effective course of action.

Depending on the circumstances, employees may file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights, the New York State Division of Human Rights, or the EEOC. In many cases, it is also possible to file a lawsuit directly against an employer to pursue compensation.

Lawyers for Justice, P.C. Can Help

Victims of workplace discrimination should never feel compelled to endure unlawful treatment. LFJ is dedicated to protecting New York City employees who have been subjected to discriminatory practices. The discrimination attorneys at LFJ recognize the profound emotional and professional toll of discrimination, which affects not only wages, but also dignity, confidence, and long-term career growth.

The legal team at LFJ represents employees across all five boroughs with decades of proven success. Retail workers in Brooklyn can seek justice against racial harassment, finance professionals in Manhattan can challenge gender discrimination, healthcare workers in the Bronx can request accommodations for disabilities, and hospitality workers in Queens can hold employers accountable for sexual harassment.

With a strong record of verdicts and settlements, LFJ aggressively enforces workers’ rights under state and federal law. The attorneys pursue justice through strategic negotiation, administrative complaints, and courtroom litigation, working tirelessly to secure compensation and stop unlawful conduct.

LFJ operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients do not pay any legal fees until they win! Call us at 516-JUSTICE for a free consultation.