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West Virginia (WV) Job Discrimination Law in the Workplace

September 22nd, 2006 Posted by Rachel

Illegal discrimination occurs when a civil rights law has been violated. These laws in their employment practices bind employers to avoid such action. While the laws in West Virginia do not expand much on the federal statutes, the state takes accusations of discrimination or harassment in the workplace seriously. In fact they have set up a state agency to handle matters related to discrimination, including educating the public, investigating allegations, and punishing offenders.
West Virginia Human Rights Commission is a resource for both the public and employers alike. Their overall goal is to eliminate discrimination all together. The agency investigates charges and enforces both state and federal laws with regard to employment. West Virginia (WV) job discrimination law in the workplace states that it is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, marital status or familial status. It is unlawful for employers, employment agencies or labor organizations to discriminate against any individual for any of these reasons. The law applies to all aspects of employment, from advertising and recruiting for a position to layoff and termination procedures.
If you feel that under West Virginia (WV) job discrimination law in the workplace your rights have been violated or compromised in any way with regard to your employment you should act quickly, but you do have up to 365 days to file a complaint. An investigator will examine the facts and determine whether there is probable cause. Following a probable cause determination, conciliation is attempted. The Commission or the complainant may agree to a settlement with the parties against whom the complaint is filed If a settlement cannot be reached, a public hearing will be held. An Administrative law judge will conduct a public hearing, which is similar to a trial and make a determination.