Discrimination occurs when you've been treated differently than others because you possess certain characteristics. A charge of discrimination is a signed statement asserting that an employer, union or labor organization engaged in employment discrimination.Discrimination is when someone is denied equal rights due to a protected trait. Learn about the Equal Pay Act, Brown v. Racial discrimination in the workplace occurs when a current employee, or an applicant for a job, is treated unfavorably because of their race. Discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee is treated unfairly or differently due to their membership in a protected class. A simplified description of the legal definition of discrimination is when a person is treated disfavourably or when a person's dignity is violated. Disability discrimination occurs when people are treated differently at work because of a disability or a perceived disability. It just means that someone (applicant or employee) filed a complaint (or charge) of discrimination, alleging that you discriminated against them. Discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or political affiliation.