Understanding Your Legal Protections Against Discrimination at Work

November 20, 2025

You show up to work to earn a living, not to be judged, targeted, or mistreated for who you are. Yet too many workers in California experience subtle bias, unfair decisions, and even outright harassment that leaves them feeling powerless and alone. 

Here’s the truth: Workplace discrimination is illegal, and California gives employees some of the strongest protection in the country. 

 At Abramson Labor Group, we’ve seen how discrimination harms careers, mental health, and financial security, and we’re here to make sure you know your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself. 

What Exactly Is Workplace Discrimination? 

Discrimination happens when an employer treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), you cannot be discriminated against for your: 

• Race or color 

• National origin 

• Age (40 or older) 

• Sex, gender identity, or gender expression 

• Sexual orientation 

• Religion 

• Disability (physical or mental) 

• Pregnancy or related medical conditions 

• Marital status 

• Military or veteran status 

• Genetic information 

If you feel singled out, excluded, denied opportunities, demoted or treated differently because of who you are, the law is on your side. 

Examples of Illegal Discrimination 

Discrimination isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it shows up as patterns that make you question your worth or place in your workplace. 

Here are common forms we see every day: 

• Being passed over for promotions despite strong performance 

• Receiving less pay than coworkers doing similar work 

• Being excluded from meetings, training, or opportunities 

• Offensive jokes, comments, or stereotypes 

• Being assigned worse shifts or tasks because of your identity 

• Being disciplined for things others get away with 

• Being fired or demoted after reporting unfair treatment 

If any of these sound familiar, you may be experiencing discrimination, whether your employer admits it or not.