How can I defend myself against discrimination in the workplace?
July 26, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Babette Krüger
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you with an urgent question regarding a distressing situation in the workplace. My name is Eiko Zellmann and I have been working at a medium-sized company for several years. Lately, I have been feeling increasingly discriminated against based on my background or sexual orientation.
There are colleagues who make derogatory remarks about my cultural background and exhibit demeaning behavior towards me. Additionally, I feel like I am being disadvantaged in promotions or important projects, even though my performance and qualifications do not align with this treatment. This situation is becoming increasingly burdensome and affecting my motivation at work.
I am wondering how I can effectively defend myself against these forms of discrimination in the workplace. Are there legal steps I can take to protect myself from further disadvantage? What options do I have to defend my rights as an employee and make my work environment more pleasant and fair again?
I appreciate your support and advice in this challenging matter.
Sincerely,
Eiko Zellmann
Dear Mr. Zellmann,
Thank you for your trust and your open words regarding the stressful situation at the workplace that you are exposed to. I am sorry to hear that you are being discriminated against due to your background or sexual orientation, and that this is affecting your motivation at work. Discrimination of any kind in the workplace is unacceptable and violates the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), which guarantees you as an employee protection and rights.
To effectively defend yourself against these forms of discrimination in the workplace, you have various legal steps that you can take. First, I recommend that you have a conversation with your supervisor or the HR department and address the situation openly. Often, supervisors are not aware of discrimination situations and can take measures to solve the problem. If the conversation does not lead to the desired outcome or if you are not comfortable complaining internally, you can seek help from an employment lawyer.
A lawyer can help you defend your rights as an employee and take legal steps to protect yourself from further discrimination. Depending on the situation, measures such as warnings, compensation claims, or even a lawsuit in the labor court may be necessary to enforce your right to equal treatment. The lawyer can also help you gather evidence and document your claims.
Furthermore, you can also turn to external organizations such as the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency or trade unions, which offer support and advice in cases of discrimination in the workplace. It is important that you do not feel alone and seek support to overcome the stressful situation.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and encourages you to defend your rights as an employee. If you have any further questions or need legal support, I am at your disposal.
Yours sincerely,
Babette Krüger, Employment Lawyer
