Your Right to Equal Employment Starts Here
The state of Connecticut has established a special office called the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity (CHRO) to hear claims against state employers for violations of workers' civil rights on the job. The CHRO acts as an initial "clearing house" to determine whether a job applicant's or employee's discrimination claim warrants further consideration by the federal Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) or the courts. The state legislature's intent in setting up the CHRO is to resolve disputes at the earliest possible opportunity. The system is often confusing and complex and rarely efficient. Get help from an experienced employment law attorney.
Licensed to Practice in State and Federal Courts
The CHRO and the federal EEOC hearings are your first and best opportunities to present evidence that an employer has violated your rights by practicing illegal hiring practices or violating employment laws. Attorney Mike Simko has extensive experience investigating, preparing and presenting claims before both of these forums.
The Law Office of V. Michael Simko, Jr., LLC, is ready to help you with experienced, knowledgeable representation for your workplace discrimination claim. Contact us today. Having the right lawyer on your side throughout the process is your best opportunity for a successful claim.
Illegal Hiring Practices
Applicants for employment positions have rights even before they become employees. Under state and federal law an employer cannot illegally discriminate during the hiring process based on race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability or religion.
State and local laws may specify additional protected classes based on issues such as sexual orientation. Employers must abide by anti-discrimination laws at each stage of their hiring process, from placing a "help wanted" ad to interviewing the final group of candidates. There are a few exceptions to these rules, such as allowing an employer to discriminate if a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) exists. A valid BFOQ occurs when the trait subject to discrimination claims is a valid and necessary job requirement, such as a maximum age for police officer applicants.
If you are concerned about discrimination in hiring, contact employment law attorney Mike Simko to discuss your situation.
