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. 

Your Rights Under California Law 

California gives employees powerful legal protections, including the right to: 

• Equal treatment in all terms and conditions of employment
• A workplace free from discrimination and harassment
• Reasonable accommodations for disabilities and pregnancy
• Report discrimination without retaliation
• File a complaint or claim if your rights are violated
• Seek compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and more

State law is clear: you deserve fairness, respect, and equal opportunity at work. 

Retaliation Is Illegal Too 

One of the biggest fears employees have been:

“What if I speak up and they fire me?”

But California law protects you from retaliation. This means your employer cannot punish you for reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, or participating in an investigation. 

What Should You Do If You Suspect Discrimination? 

Trust your instincts. Most workers recognize when something feels unfair or targeted. 

Here’s what helps protect you: 

1. Document everything — dates, emails, conversations, incidents 
2. Identify witnesses who saw or heard the behavior 
3. Keep copies of performance reviews, write-ups, or unusual changes 
4. Seek legal guidance early — before things escalate 

Discrimination cases are often about patterns, not just one bad day. 

Every employee deserves a workplace where they are treated with fairness and dignity, no exceptions. If you’ve experienced discrimination, you don’t have to navigate it in silence. 

Reach out to Abramson Labor Group for a free, confidential intake evaluation. 
We’ll help you understand your rights and stand with you as you fight for the respect you deserve.