By Brian Spitz, national origin and religious discrimination attorney, Cleveland, Ohio.
Here is an interesting article from a UK publication about the finding of national origin discrimination. The national origin discrimination was found based on the fact that a telesales company was forcing Indian-origin employees to adopt English names for calls originating from English speaking nations. For example, the employee, Rahul Jain was forced to change his name to Rob Matthews while his white colleagues could retain their original names at work.
I think this is an excellent point and clear evidence of discrimination. I also think this goes farther than just telemarketing and telesales employees. Employers’ unilateral assignment of nicknames to replace hard to pronounce foreign, religious, or race specific names should also be viewed as evidence of discrimination.
Does this mean that there is a claim under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act? Not necessarily. Evidence of discrimination does not automatically rise to the level of a good claim. Was the employee denied a promotion or fired? Was the conduct so extreme to create a hostile work environment? Is the employee being paid less than similarly employed workers with standard Western names? There are a lot of issues to consider, which is best done with a call the right attorney to help you determine if you have a claim and how to proceed. Additionally, an attorney will help you preserve evidence that will support a potential claim.
Employees that feel that they are being harassed or discriminated based on their race, gender, age or national origin should track and document the differential treatment and adverse actions; and then they should call the right attorney today at 866-797-6040 for a FREE and confidential initial consultation. Our team of lawyers fights against all forms of discrimination in the workplace. Spitz, The Employee’s Law Firm works hard to get employees what they deserved.
Brian Spitz is the managing attorney at Spitz, The Employee’s Law Firm, which has offices around Cleveland in South Euclid, Independence, and Westlake. Brian Spitz has represented clients throughout Ohio and across the United States in matters ranging up to $60 million dollars at issue.