Can I be treated differently from my co-workers?
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Can I be treated differently from my co-workers?
My boss told me to remove my hat while I’m working but a supervisor that literally has a office next to hers wears his hat everyday in the whole building without being hassled. I just want to know if there is anything illegal going on, no harm comes from wearing a hat at my job. That’s why he and I like to but she only tells me to remove it because it’s disrespectful I guess.
Asked on October 28, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Michigan
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
A company can set the conditions of the workplace much as it sees fit, unless some form of legally actionable discrimination is involved. So if you are being singled out due to you race, religion, disability, age (over 40), gender, national origin, etc. then that would be illegal. Therefore, if you wear your hat due to a medical condition or for religious observance then you may a have a claim. Othewise, you can be treated differenty than a co-worker. The fact is that not all employees need be treated the same or even fairly. Accordingly, unless your treatment violates the terms of a union agreement or employment contract, it is legal.
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