As an employee or worker seeking a job, you might often feel like you are battling corporate Goliaths. Corporations often seem to have all the money and all the power, but there are laws in place to protect both employees and job applicants. A recent court decision in another state illustrates the power of those laws. In the case reported, worker discrimination laws even stood up under the pressures of foreign royalty.
The case began when three women were dismissed from work. The women were drivers who were hired by companies to assist driving a Saudi prince around. The prince was in the country for treatment at the Mayo Clinic.
According to reports, 40 drivers were hired to provide the services. The Saudi prince requested that the woman be dismissed. In his country, women are not allowed to drive.
In an attempt to appease the prince, the company let three women go. Those three women filed a discrimination lawsuit, naming three companies. Two of those companies settled. The third company lost in court when a federal judge ruled on the side of the women.
In the United States, workers are protected by laws that keep companies from making hiring decisions based on factors such as gender, race or age. Even if customers voice a preference for a certain type of individual, companies cannot let someone go just because of his or her gender or ethnicity. This is true even if the customer is a rich or powerful person, such as a foreign prince or a celebrity.
If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your race, g
ender, age or other inappropriate factor, you have options for legal remedies. Speaking to a legal professional can help you understand those options and how to take action.
Source: Miami Herald, “Judge sides with female drivers in discrimination complaint,” Nov. 05, 2015
