Racial abuse at job

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Ask a Lawyer

Question

Country: United States of America State: Michigan I am Afro American and was recently fired from my job for using foul language, but my fellow co worker who is white uses worse language and they did not fire him. My employers reason for firing me was "he was not going to lose his job because of an employees behavior". This fellow co worker uses foul language towards customers and other fellow employees when the subject was brought up my employer told me not to worry about the other employee. I am also made to wear a uniform but he is not. When people come in to apply for a job the first thing that is asked by my employer is what color are they? Do you feel I would have a discrimination case? I have witnesses to the events.

Answer

Very possibly yes--You could consult your nearest Department of Labor office to briefly discuss the issue with them first...you may also want to ask the company to put what is happening in writing and explain to them that you may have attorneys review the situation...try speaking to a higher level of management about the issue; they may override the other managers.