Los Angeles County workers file thousands of employment-related complaints with California’s civil rights agency annually, involving allegations of disability discrimination, retaliation, race discrimination, harassment, and other workplace protections.
Data from the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provide context for how often workers report discrimination in Los Angeles County and statewide.
How Common Is Employment Discrimination in Los Angeles County?
Employment discrimination statistics for Los Angeles County show how many workplace complaints reach California’s Civil Rights Department each year.
In 2024, CRD recorded 806 employment complaints accepted for investigation from Los Angeles County. Another 3,420 employment right-to-sue complaints came from the county. Statewide, CRD accepted 4,077 employment complaints for investigation and recorded 16,924 employment right-to-sue complaints.
That means Los Angeles County accounted for roughly one-fifth of each statewide category.
Some employees ask CRD to investigate their complaint, while others request an immediate right-to-sue notice so they can pursue the claim in court without a CRD investigation.
Employment Discrimination by the Numbers
| Statistic | FY 2024 Data |
| Los Angeles County employment complaints accepted for CRD investigation | 806 |
| Los Angeles County employment right-to-sue complaints | 3,420 |
| California employment complaints accepted for CRD investigation | 4,077 |
| California employment right-to-sue complaints | 16,924 |
| EEOC discrimination charges nationwide | 88,531 |
| EEOC monetary relief secured nationwide | Nearly $700 million |
FY 2024 Data: 806
FY 2024 Data: 3,420
FY 2024 Data: 4,077
FY 2024 Data: 16,924
FY 2024 Data: 88,531
FY 2024 Data: Nearly $700 million
These figures provide useful Los Angeles employment law statistics, but they require context. A complaint or charge is an allegation, not a finding that an employer violated the law.
What Types of Employment Discrimination Are Most Common?
Among the 4,077 employment cases CRD accepted for investigation in 2024, frequently reported bases included:
- Disability: 2,174
- Reported or resisted discrimination or harassment: 1,775
- Sex or gender: 1,257
- Race: 1,190
- Requested or used a disability-related accommodation: 958
- Age 40 or older: 867
- National origin: 524
- Sexual harassment involving a hostile environment: 449
These categories overlap because one case can contain several allegations. However, the data shows why disability discrimination in California, retaliation, race discrimination, and sex or gender discrimination remain important workplace issues.
These gender discrimination examples in California show how discrimination can occur in the workplace.
California Employees Have State and Federal Protections
Workers experiencing Los Angeles employment discrimination may have rights under federal and California law. The EEOC enforces federal employment discrimination laws, while CRD enforces the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and other state civil rights laws.
California protections can apply more broadly in some situations. CRD states that FEHA’s employment discrimination provisions apply to employers with five or more employees. Workplace harassment based on a protected category is prohibited even in workplaces with fewer than five employees.
Protected characteristics under FEHA include:
- Race and color
- National origin and ancestry
- Religion
- Physical and mental disability
- Medical condition
- Sex and pregnancy
- Gender identity and expression
- Sexual orientation
- Age for workers 40 and older
- Military and veteran status
CRD also prohibits retaliation against workers for exercising certain rights protected by FEHA.
Disability and Retaliation Stand Out in California Data
Disability was the most frequently listed basis among employment complaints CRD accepted for investigation in 2024. Accommodation-related allegations were also common. For example, an employee could claim an employer failed to provide a reasonable accommodation and then fired the employee because of the disability.
Accommodation issues can vary by industry—our review of the top industries for disability discrimination in California highlights where these issues commonly arise.
Retaliation-related allegations were also prominent. CRD recorded 1,775 allegations involving workers who reported or resisted discrimination or harassment. Retaliation can include an adverse employment action taken because an employee complained about discrimination, participated in an investigation, or exercised another protected right.
Does Employment Discrimination Vary by Industry?
Workplace issues can arise in any industry, although the issues may differ based on job duties and working conditions.
For example, a physically demanding job may raise disability accommodation issues, while a hotel or restaurant workplace may present questions involving harassment, scheduling, pregnancy accommodations, or retaliation.
What Do the Statistics Mean for Los Angeles Employees?
Discrimination cases depend on facts such as what the employer did, what decision-makers knew, how similarly situated employees were treated, and what evidence supports the employee’s account.
For example, being fired does not automatically amount to wrongful termination. But a termination may raise legal questions when it follows a discrimination complaint, request for reasonable accommodation, protected leave, or other protected activity.
Employees concerned about wrongful termination in Los Angeles can review California examples to see what these cases can look like.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Workplace Discrimination?
If you believe you experienced discrimination, documenting what happened can help you understand your options.
Consider taking these steps:
- Write down what happened: Record dates, locations, people involved, and what was said or done.
- Save relevant records: Keep emails, text messages, performance reviews, schedules, disciplinary notices, and other documents you are legally permitted to retain.
- Identify potential witnesses: Note coworkers or others who saw or heard relevant events.
- Keep records of complaints: Save copies of reports you made to a supervisor, human resources department, or another appropriate person.
- Check filing deadlines: Different employment claims can have different time limits and procedures.
Workers may file an employment discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. Depending on the case, they may also be able to file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
If you have already lost your job, review these steps on what to do after being fired in California.
Speak With an Employment Lawyer in Los Angeles
Employment discrimination can affect your career, income, and professional reputation. If you believe you experienced discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wrongful termination, consider speaking with an employment lawyer in Los Angeles about your rights, filing deadlines, and legal options.
Manukyan Law Firm offers free consultations to employees who want to understand their options. You can also learn about the cost of hiring an employment lawyer in California and what may affect the value of an employment lawsuit.
If you have questions about workplace discrimination in Los Angeles, contact Manukyan Law Firm to schedule a free case review.
FAQs
What industries have the most employment discrimination claims?
Discrimination can occur in any industry, although the types of disputes may vary based on job duties, working conditions, and workforce size.
What is the most common type of workplace discrimination?
In California CRD data for 2024, disability was the most frequently reported protected basis among employment complaints accepted for investigation, appearing in 2,174 cases.
Should I contact an employment lawyer before filing a complaint?
You do not need an attorney to file a discrimination complaint with the CRD or EEOC. However, an employment lawyer can help you understand your rights, filing deadlines, evidence, and legal options.
