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Portland Employment Discrimination Attorney

Employment-Based Discrimination Law In Oregon

In Oregon, employment-based discrimination is generally not actionable unless it falls into one of the following categories:

  • age discrimination
  • sex discrimination
  • racial discrimination
  • ethnic discrimination
  • disability discrimination
  • pregnancy discrimination
  • discrimination based on national origin

Additionally, it is also unlawful to discriminate against an employee based on his or her sexual orientation. For an employee to prevail on an employment discrimination claim, the employer must usually take some tangible action against the employee, such as a termination or demotion.

Federal and state employment laws are designed to protect worker’s rights. If you feel an employer has violated these laws, please call Gilroy Napoli Short Law Group as soon as possible. There are deadlines to file claims and lawsuits in many of these types of cases.

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection

Oregon Law and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 not only protects individuals against employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or religion, but also protects employees against retaliation.

Employees have a right to be free from retaliation for their opposition to discrimination or their participation in an EEOC proceeding by filing a charge, testifying, assisting, or otherwise participating in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under Title VII. An employer may not fire, demote, harass or otherwise “retaliate” against an individual for filing a charge of discrimination, participating in a discrimination proceeding, or otherwise opposing discrimination. In addition to the protections against retaliation that are included in all of the laws enforced by EEOC, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects individuals from coercion, intimidation, threat, harassment, or interference in their exercise of their own rights or their encouragement of someone else’s exercise of rights granted by the ADA.

Under Oregon and Federal law, in addition to the above described protections, an employee is also protected against retaliation for engaging in what the law refers to as “whistleblowing.” Generally speaking, an employer cannot take adverse employment action against an employee who reports employees or employers for engaging in unlawful conduct. Examples of such complaints include but are not limited to wage and hour violations, unsafe working conditions, or violations of financial reporting.

If you feel you have been a target of retaliation or need whistleblower protection, please call Gilroy Napoli Short Law Group at 503-747-7198 for a free phone consultation. These are time sensitive cases so call now.

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Jason Wheeless is one incredible attorney. From the very beginning I felt at ease and confident he would do everything in his power to achieve an ideal outcome for me. In less than 10 days Jason was able to do what I thought would be nearly impossible. I can’t thank you enough, Jason, you are simply amazing! I also want to thank you for your kind and sincere words of support and encouragement. I am truly grateful for your counsel and wisdom.
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Jenna Richards represented me during my DUI trail and was very professional yet sensitive to my situation. Always available and made me feel comfortable through the whole process. Thankful she was in my corner. Jeff Bissett
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I am so grateful for the guidance and support my attorney, Jenna Richards, provided. She gave me sound, straightforward advice and always made sure I understood my options. Most importantly, Jenna never made me feel judged or like a bad person—something that meant so much to me during a very difficult and unfortunate situation. She stood by me through the entire process and helped me get through it step by step. I would highly recommend Jenna to anyone who needs not only strong legal representation but also compassion and understanding along the way.
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Melodie did an awesome job on my case. She was involved for over a year until I went to trial and I could not have asked for a better outcome. Saved me from incarceration and helped me through the whole process which was a very difficult case. Could not have asked for a better lawyer and support system! Thank you so much Melodie!!!
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