People in New York should know their rights when it comes to employment. New York state law keeps people from being discriminated against in the workforce. Characteristics like race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability and marital status are protected. That means people can’t lose out on an opportunity because of one of these characteristics. They’re supposed to be judged on their merits as workers, instead. One recent case filed in California against United Airlines is putting employment law to the test.
Did young blondes get preferential treatment?
The case in question involves chartered flights for prominent sports teams. United contracts with teams in leagues like the NFL, NCAA and MLB to provide flights for teams. It’s alleged in the suit that these flights were overwhelmingly staffed by attractive young flight attendants, rather than employees with seniority. Specifically, it’s alleged that young blondes were more likely to be assigned to the athletic team charters.
Two flight attendants with over 20 years of experience have attempted to be assigned to these flights. However, they say that they were told they aren’t on the preferred lists. One woman bringing suit is African American and the other is Jewish. They allege that this discrimination is deliberate and that they were passed over for younger women who are considered to be more conventionally attractive. They are disappointed that in spite of being effective at their jobs, they’re losing out on the chance to work.
That’s not how the system is supposed to work. Employment law is very clear on this matter. For people who feel they’ve been passed over at work due to age, sex, gender expression or other characteristics, there is hope. Contacting a lawyer with experience in employment law is an important first step.