Calif. Labor Law Facts on Single Parents

Employers cannot discriminate against single parents, according to California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

Single parents in California have a right to equal pay and benefits, equal tax or other pay withholdings, and equal opportunity for promotion and advancement, regardless of their family or marital situation.

Rights of Single Parents

California strictly enforces laws regarding discrimination based on an employee's marital or pregnancy status, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations. If you're being discriminated against because of your single-parent status, you should contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or DFEH.

Gender Discrimination

The following issues, which often apply to single working parents, are considered gender discrimination (a type of sexual harassment): Promotion failure or refusal, unequal wages, unequal social treatment, and using "reduction of force" to terminate pregnant women or mothers who seek part-time employment to tend to family needs, the California Employment Lawyers website reports.

Right to Sue

The California DFEH provides a right-to-sue form for employees who feel they have been discriminated against. The form can be submitted online and once the DFEH accepts the form for investigation, it may send the complaint to the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission as well

References

• California Department of Industrial Relations: Retaliation Complaint Unit
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing: Automated Right-To-Sue
• California Employment Lawyers: California Employment Law

Resources

• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing