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Texas (TX) Job Discrimination Law in the Workplace

September 21st, 2006 Posted by Rachel

I was a little surprised to find that regardless of the size of the workforce in Texas due to sheer size of the state that the laws against discrimination are not all that extensive. This is not to say that discrimination is tolerated by any means. Many states have just developed their own set of principles and guidelines in addition to the federal statutes, whereas Texas has not. They have however set up a state agency to inform the public, educate employers and take complaints about discrimination.

Texas (TX) job discrimination law in the workplace prohibits employers, employment agencies and labor organizations from discriminating against an individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. This law applies to hiring and firing, compensation, assignment, or classification of employees; transfer, promotion, layoff, or recall; job advertisements, recruitment, testing, use of company facilities; training and apprenticeship programs; fringe benefits; pay, retirement plans, and disability leave; and other terms and conditions of employment. I did find one aspect of the law that I believe to be unique to the state. You may find it interesting to learn that the law prohibits discrimination by employers when the employee leaves the employee’s place of employment to participate in a general public evacuation ordered under an emergency evacuation order.

If you feel that any action has been taken against you that is in violation of Texas (TX) job discrimination law in the workplace you may file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division. You may do so by going to one of their offices and meeting with an investigator. The Investigator will discuss with you what is required to file a complaint, how the complaint will be investigated, and assist you in preparing the complaint, or you can call the division office to speak with an intake investigator.