California is a state that has strong protections for employees. This includes prohibiting discrimination. There are also federal protections that mean discrimination is illegal, so there are laws at multiple levels addressing these issues.
At a state level, however, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) plays a major role in determining how these protections apply. It has identified five key areas where discrimination cannot legally occur.
The hiring process
First and foremost, employers cannot discriminate when screening applications or conducting interviews. All workers should have an equal chance to secure a job based on relevant factors, like education or experience. They should not face discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion or other protected classes.
Advertising
Similarly, when creating job postings or advertising positions, those advertisements should be neutral in nature. They should not request candidates in certain protected classes or say that other groups of candidates should not apply.
Employee handling
Once a person has been hired, they should not experience any discrimination on the job when it comes to the progress of their career. This includes promotions, raises, terminations and even transferring or separating certain employees.
Working conditions
Discrimination should not apply when determining what working conditions employees will experience. They should also be equal. That includes the compensation they receive.
Participation in certain groups
Finally, there should not be any discrimination when it comes to apprenticeship programs or other group participation for training purposes. Additionally, unions and employee organizations should not discriminate.
Employers need to be aware of these prohibitions, and employees need to know what steps to take if they believe discrimination has occurred at any level.