• Employers are forbidden to discriminate against potential employees based on several factors.aktenkoffer image by binagel from Fotolia.com
  
  Several federal laws, from those included in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to those that make up the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, guarantee citizens equal employment opportunities. These laws forbid employers from relying on race, sex, gender, genetic information or applicants' disabilities to pass them up for jobs and promotions. Companies that violate these equal employment laws can face significant fines and penalties. These laws make it easier for workers to land the best jobs for which they are qualified.
  
  

Civil Rights Act of 1964

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 spells out the protections for employees and potential employees in the workforce. Basically, the law states employers can't discriminate--in hiring or promotion--against workers based on their color, race, religion or national origin.
  
  This benefits workers because it prevents them from losing out on jobs for which they would otherwise be qualified.
  
  

Equal Pay Act of 1963

• Another important piece of legislation is the Equal Pay Act of 1963. This act stipulates that men and women who perform essentially the same jobs must not be paid less depending on their gender. This helps to ensure that qualified workers, no matter their sex, will earn fair pay for the work that they do.
  
  

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967

• Workers who are 40 or older also have rights to equal employment benefits and opportunities as guaranteed by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, which states employers can't discriminate against older workers. The act forbids employers from basing hiring or promotion decisions solely on age. This benefits workers who might otherwise become marginalized as they grow older.
  
  

Americans with Disabilities Act

• Federal law protects the rights of workers with disabilities thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under this act, employers are not allowed to discriminate against qualified individuals who have disabilities. Employers are not required, though, to hire people whose disabilities would prevent them from performing the duties of the job.
  
  The Americans with Disabilities Act has opened up employment opportunities to people with a wide range of disabilities. It also benefits companies that won't lose out on the talents of employees simply because they are blind, use a wheelchair or have some other disability.
  
  

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

• The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is a relative newcomer in employee rights legislation. This act, which was approved in 2008, forbids employers from discriminating against potential employees based on genetic information they have about these workers. It also forbids employers from using genetic information to deny promotions or salary increases to their current workers.
  
  This law provides a measure of privacy to employees. It also protects them should they suffer from an illness or genetic disability.