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Unfair Treatment at Work in Texas: What You Can Do (2025 Guide)

You show up on time, do your job well, and try to keep the peace. So why does it feel like you’re being singled out, overlooked, or punished unfairly?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.

Let’s unpack what unfair treatment at work actually means in Texas, what’s illegal (and what’s just bad management), and how to take back control.

What Is Unfair Treatment at Work?

Unfair treatment means being treated differently or less favorably than others, often without a valid reason. It might look like favoritism, micromanagement, or sudden write-ups while others skate by.

Common examples:

• A manager always gives last-minute assignments to one employee

• Your ideas are ignored in meetings, then credited to someone else

• You’re constantly passed up for promotions with no clear reason

• One coworker gets punished for being late, while others don’t

Unfair? Definitely. But is it illegal? That depends.

When Unfair Treatment Becomes Illegal

Not every bad boss or annoying coworker breaks the law. But if the unfair treatment is tied to a protected characteristic, it could be discrimination.

Under federal and Texas law, it’s illegal to mistreat someone because of their:

• Race or ethnicity

• Gender or sexual orientation

• Age (40+)

• Religion

• National origin

• Disability

• Pregnancy

Illegal unfair treatment might include:

• Giving worse shifts to older employees

• Punishing a woman for taking maternity leave

• Ignoring a worker’s request for religious accommodation

If you’re being targeted based on who you are, it’s time to speak up.

Retaliation: The Hidden Danger

What if you reported something—and suddenly everything changed?

That could be retaliation, which is also illegal. Retaliation happens when an employer punishes you for:

• Reporting discrimination or harassment

• Filing an EEOC complaint

• Requesting disability or religious accommodations

Examples:

• Your hours are cut after complaining to HR

• You’re written up for small infractions that were never enforced before

• You’re excluded from team meetings or client work

Real-Life Example: The Unfair “Correction Plan”

“Tina,” a warehouse worker in Houston, complained about sexist jokes from her supervisor. Two weeks later, she was placed on a performance improvement plan—despite no prior issues.

With legal help, Tina filed a retaliation complaint and eventually received a settlement.

What Should You Do If You’re Treated Unfairly?

1. Start Documenting Everything

• Who said or did what?

• When did it happen?

• Were there witnesses?

2. Report Internally (If Safe)

• Use your HR department or follow your employee handbook

• Put complaints in writing—emails are your friend

3. Know When to Escalate

If the treatment is linked to a protected class or retaliatory:

• File a charge with the EEOC or Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division

• Consult an employment lawyer

What You Can Recover

If you take legal action and win, you may be entitled to:

• Compensation for emotional distress or lost wages

• Reinstatement (if you were fired)

• Attorney’s fees and legal costs

• Policy changes at your workplace

How The Lange Firm Helps Texas Workers

At The Lange Firm, we:

• Help employees document and report unfair treatment

• Represent clients in discrimination and retaliation claims

• Negotiate settlements or file lawsuits when needed

You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’ve seen it all—and we know how to help.

Final Takeaway

Unfair treatment doesn’t always break the law—but sometimes it does.

If your boss’s behavior has crossed the line, don’t guess—get legal guidance. Contact The Lange Firm today to protect your rights and your future.