Legal Question in Employment Law in Pennsylvania
Laid off - possible lawsuit?
I was just recently laid off this week. It was quite a surprise. I didn't see it coming. There are only 6 of us in the office. 2 of us were let go. Both of us women. My question is...although PA is an ''at will'' state for employment...is it illegal to lay us off without any reason other than ''downsizing''. Let me clarify. There was no criteria given for the reason I was let go, rather than the guy sitting next to me who had less experience, less tenure, and more pay. All of my past reviews were above average or better. I did as much work as anyone else, if not more. I never took breaks, never called out sick and worked as hard as everyone else. The 4 people who got to keep their jobs were all men. My manager has always insinuated in the past, that he likes men employees better than women. Is there any way possible, I might have a sex discrimination case?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Laid off - possible lawsuit?
Both women should sue together. Two plaintiffs v. the Employer, maintaining a Title VII and a ADEA if applicable. Often, female workers are shown the door if they put on a few years and/or a few pounds.
More facts are needed, but you just may have a good circumstantial case. You are to bring the matter before the EEOC in the first instance with a work-sharing agreement with the Human Relations Commission. Don't be alarmed if they are of little help. The EEOC only takes easy cases.
Obtain private counsel, who will conduct discovery and take the matter to a Federal District Court.
Best of Luck,
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