© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Help - gender discrimination
Long story short - I’ve been let go exactly 3 months after returning to work post-maternity leave. They let my whole team of women go, citing “elimination of the department/ roles” however they simply changed the titles slightly and job responsibilities remain. They filled these roles with men.
While I’ve seen this coming due to the toxic and discriminatory workplace culture, I’m shocked they actually pulled the trigger in the way that they did. All members of the team that was laid off were in great standing - highly engaged employees with strong performance reviews. What do I do? Is this worth pursuing, and what would be the best first step?
Anonymous
01/13/20 at 3:06AM UTC
Thank you both for your comments! I am documenting everything as best I can without access to my work account (which they shut off when they laid me off even though I’m technically employed for another few weeks). There has been a pattern, for sure, and it’s pretty rampant in the culture. I’m unsure if I have the mental energy to pursue this, but it’s helpful to know where to turn. It’s just nagging at me how blatant and discriminatory their practices are. Thanks again.
Anonymous
01/12/20 at 10:21PM UTC
Do you have all of this information documented? I would seriously consider speaking to an attorney. Depending on your prior organization, they can be willing to fight the allegations or just settle. My current organization is similar where there is no women who manage any department, let alone anyone from this country (while there is two who manage from here in the US, they are not classified managers). I have been compiling documentation for months so if I start seeing them seeking to eliminate, my attorney will file as my organization cannot get rid of you while there is a pending case.
Please contact EEOC as they mentioned above. I hop you find a great workplace that values you!
Anonymous
01/12/20 at 3:35PM UTC
Have you considered speaking with an attorney who specializes in employment law? Did your employer display a pattern of discriminatory practices? I'm familiar with the "restructuring" of a workplace as I've just seen it unfold firsthand. There are grey areas with job elimination and possible changes in position descriptions for the new employees who have absorbed or taken over the duties of your former department, so I would consult with an attorney or contact the EEOC if you truly feel that gender based discrimination took place.
Best wishes and don't let it fall by the wayside if it is pressing on your mind!
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.