Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Religious bigotry in HR office
I work in a law office run by members of a religious
organization. I was offered a large promotion and then turned down for
the promotion because I was told they couldn't afford to pay me what we
had negotiated. The problem came as the head of human resources said
to me that he has been turning down most major raises because the
company was being, ''cheap - I feel like I'm Jewish.'' I am Jewish! I was
also aghast! He then told me that I was getting a small $2 per hour
raise in my current position (although that was supposed to happen four
weeks ago when promised -and this will not be retroactive). I tried to
ignore his ignorant and bigotted comment as I angled for another
position that is open and can pay almost three times what I get now
(commission based) but it kept me up all night. I am not sure what to
do. My family thinks I should let it go because I cannot afford to lose my
job ( I was once fired because I notified a past employer about two
employees committing insurance fraud. They kept their jobs, but I was
fired), but I am also concerned because no one in a supervisory position
in this law office is not of a specific religion. This is eating me up inside.
What, if anything, can I do?

Asked on 5/26/04, 10:25 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

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Re: Religious bigotry in HR office

Sometimes lawyers tend to be the worst offenders in a lot of ways. Sorry you work for some dolts. Certainly, the comment was offensive. It might even be actionable, but why stress yourself out? I would begin looking for new work elsewhere. Decent law firms seem to be paying a nice salary to keep good people. Once you're out of there, you can consider your options dispassionately.

Answered on 5/27/04, 10:54 pm

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