Legally, the term "discrimination" covers only actions that are taken against people because they belong to certain protected classes. A charge of discrimination is a signed statement asserting that an employer, union or labor organization engaged in employment discrimination.Discrimination in the workplace includes negative employment actions. This means you may be fired, demoted, passed over for a promotion, or harassed. Labor Code section 232 prohibits an employer from discharging or retaliating against an employee for disclosing his or her wages. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Despite your best efforts, an individual may still file a discrimination claim against you and your business. There are strict deadlines for filing a charge of discrimination, please review the information in the timeliness tab or call 1-800-669-4000. 1. What kinds of discrimination are against state law in California? Racial discrimination in the workplace occurs when a current employee, or an applicant for a job, is treated unfavorably because of their race.