Legal Question in Employment Law in Alabama
Labor Descrimination
I have been employed here over a year. Out of the companys 12 locations I am one of the 8 woman that work here out of the 125 men. There came a time when raises where being given out to a number of people here at this company. When I asked for my raise I was told the company could not do it, but then again gave all the men a raise. When I confronted them about this they said they couldnt give me a raise but had changed my taxes so I wouldnt get cut as much at the end of the pay period, but they would give me my raise in Dec. and change my taxes back so I wouldnt have to pay much out at the end of the year. I told them i couldnt pay taxes out not to change my taxes. Raise time has came again ans still no raise to me but raises to other men. I ask about my raise and if they had changed my taxes back and they told me i would have to talk to my personal tax person. I did not file a new W4 form I guess they did it on there own, but does your employer have the right to changed your taxes and leave you responsible for it because they didnt want to give you a raise?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Labor Descrimination
Wow! Sorry I missed this earlier. But the quick answer is no. It sounds like they are blatantly discriminating against you on the basis of sex. The bottom line is: are you doing the same or similar job as a male (who's been there roughly the same time you have) and being paid less? Taxes are irrelevant.
However, proving sex discrimination is a difficult and time consuming lawsuit. Nevertheless they can get hammered and quite a few times if you have your ducks in a row they will settle quickly.
I would be interested in talking with you about this some more. If you would like to call me at 458-1100 I would be happy to give you more input. I will be out of the office on Thursday, but back Friday Afternoon. Call me anytime and leave me a message if I'm not in.
Thanks!
Sterling L. DeRamus
Attorney at Law