Workplace discrimination is a harsh reality that many employees face, including Filipino-Americans (Fil-Ams) working in California. Despite making up a large part of the workforce, many Fil-Am employees experience bias, wage disparities, unpaid wages, and unfair treatment. Many also face sexual harassment, especially in service industries, where power imbalances allow abuse to persist.
Research shows that minority workers, including those of Filipino descent, often experience racial discrimination, language bias, and wage theft in various industries. Nonexempt employees, especially in low-wage sectors, are at high risk of being underpaid, denied minimum wage, or forced to work unpaid overtime.
Recognizing employment discrimination is the first step toward protecting your legal rights. This blog will discuss the most common forms of workplace discrimination that Fil-Am workers experience, how California labor law protects employees, and why consulting an employment law attorney in Los Angeles is essential in fighting justice.
What is Workplace Discrimination?
Under California labor law, workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly based on protected characteristics, including:
- Race, ethnicity, or national origin
- Language or accent bias
- Age, gender, or disability
- Sexual orientation or gender identity
- Religious beliefs
- Marital status or health condition
- Medical condition that affects employment opportunities
What California Laws Protect Workers from Workplace Discrimination?
Several state and federal laws safeguard employees from workplace discrimination, ensuring that Fil-Am workers and others are treated fairly in the workplace.
1. Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
- FEHA prohibits employment discrimination based on race, nationality, gender, age, disability, and other protected categories.
- It protects workers from sexual harassment and retaliation.
2. California Labor Code § 1102.5 (Whistleblower Protection Law)
- The Whistleblower Protection Law supports employees who report discrimination, unsafe work conditions, or wage violations from retaliation.
3. California Equal Pay Act
- The California Equal Pay Act ensures nonexempt employees receive equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity.
Understanding these laws is essential to protecting your workplace rights. If you believe your employer violated these protections, consult an employment law attorney for legal guidance.
Common Workplace Discrimination Issues Faced by Fil-Ams
Many Filipino-American employees in California report facing discrimination in the workplace. Some of the most common issues include:
- Racial and National Origin Discrimination – Employers stereotyping Fil-Am workers or favoring other racial groups in hiring and promotions.
- Wage Theft and Unpaid Overtime – Fil-Am employees in low-wage industries like hospitality and caregiving often experience underpayment, unpaid wages, or forced overtime without fair compensation.
- Language & Accent Bias—Employers discourage employees from speaking Tagalog, Ilocano, or Bisaya or treat workers differently due to Filipino accents.
- Sexual Harassment – Many Fil-Am workers, especially women, report unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or coercion in the workplace.
- Retaliation & Harassment – Filipino workers who speak out against unfair treatment often face retaliation through demotions, pay cuts, or hostile work environments.
- Wrongful Termination – Losing a job due to racial discrimination, retaliation, or false accusations.
How to Recognize Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination can sometimes be subtle or indirect. Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Unfair treatment in hiring or promotions – Less-qualified employees being promoted over you.
- Exclusion from meetings or projects – Being left out due to race, nationality, or language barriers.
- Offensive comments or microaggressions – Negative remarks about Filipino culture, food, or language.
- Unjustified performance criticisms – Being disciplined for minor mistakes while others are not.
- Retaliation after filing complaints – Facing workplace hostility after speaking out.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to document your experience and consider legal action.
Steps to Take if You Experience Workplace Discrimination
If you believe you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, take the following steps to protect your legal rights:
- Document Everything – Keep records of emails, text messages, performance reviews, and complaints related to discrimination.
- File an Internal Complaint – Report the discrimination to HR or your supervisor (if safe to do so).
- Know Your Legal Deadlines – Employees typically have one year to file a discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).
- Consult our Employment Law Attorney – Our skilled employment lawyer in Los Angeles can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and file a strong claim.
Preventing Workplace Discrimination & Advocating for Change
For Fil-Am workers in California, the fight against workplace discrimination doesn’t end with recognizing it—it also involves taking action. The best way to protect your rights is by being proactive and standing up for yourself and others in the workplace.
First, educate yourself about California labor law and how it protects you from discrimination, unpaid wages, wrongful termination, and retaliation. Knowledge is power, and understanding your legal rights ensures you can identify and challenge unfair treatment.
If you experience employment discrimination, don’t stay silent. Documenting every incident—emails, text messages, performance reviews, and complaints can be critical evidence. Reporting the issue to HR or a supervisor may lead to internal resolution, but seeking legal guidance is the next step if your concerns are dismissed.
Supporting fellow Fil-Am workers is also crucial. By encouraging coworkers to speak up against workplace injustices, you help create a culture of fair treatment and accountability. Workplace discrimination often thrives in silence, but when employees stand together, they can demand fair pay, equal opportunities, and a safe work environment.
Finally, consult our experienced employment lawyer in Los Angeles if your employer refuses to address the issue. Our skilled attorney can help you file a complaint, negotiate a fair resolution, and, if necessary, take legal action to hold your employer accountable. Legal representation ensures that you don’t have to fight workplace discrimination alone.
By staying informed, taking action, and seeking legal help when necessary, Fil-Am workers can push for fairness, respect, and equal rights in the workplace.
Protect Your Rights & Fight Workplace Discrimination
Employment discrimination in California is illegal and can negatively impact your career, wages, and mental well-being. Fil-Am workers deserve fair treatment, equal pay, and a safe working environment. If you believe you have faced unpaid wages, wrongful termination, or retaliation, Kapwa Justice is here to help.
Consult our experienced employment law attorney today for a FREE consultation. Together, we can fight for justice, fairness, and respect in the workplace.
