Often in occupations underrepresented by women, the challenge of gender discrimination can be more prevalent. When this leads to termination, it can have a major impact on a female pilot’s career and her financial stability.
It would not be inaccurate to refer to the aviation industry as being “male-dominated.” The statistics speak for themselves. According to FAA data, only 7.3% of all FAA pilot certificates in the US are held by women and the percentage of female pilots among the total amount of airline pilots is 4.4% in the US.
If you believe you have experienced wrongful termination as a female pilot due to gender discrimination, it’s crucial to understand the types of legal avenues that might be available to you to continue to work comfortably in the field you love. Let’s explore what you need to know about this type of wrongful termination and how a lawyer specializing in the aviation space can help.
What Constitutes Wrongful Termination For Gender Discrimination?
Wrongful termination for gender discrimination, within the realm of aviation, can occur when a pilot is fired on the basis of her gender rather than her job performance. Such gender discrimination is illegal under federal and state law, and pilots who have experienced wrongful termination may ultimately pursue legal action.
If you find yourself without employment and believe your firing came as the result of gender discrimination, a decision to move forward with a wrongful termination case, after consulting with an aviation attorney, can occur.
Proving Gender Discrimination In Wrongful Termination
When a pilot pursues a wrongful termination case for gender discrimination, they must be able to prove that they were fired due to their gender and not for any other reason.
This burden of proof may be met if the pilot can present evidence of:
- Discriminatory statements made by the airline employer
- Disparate treatment of employees based on gender
- A pattern of discrimination against employees of a certain gender
- Sexual harassment
If the pilot is able to establish that she was wrongfully terminated, she may be entitled to damages. These may include lost wages and benefits, as well as any other costs associated with the termination.
In some cases, the court may also order the airline employer to reinstate the pilot to her former position and/or provide training to prevent future discrimination. The court could also include an injunction to prevent the airline from engaging in further discrimination or even awarding attorney’s fees to cover the cost of bringing the lawsuit.
The Aviation Attorney Every Pilot Should Know For Wrongful Termination Matters
If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated for gender discrimination, it may be time to Bring Aboard Barnett. An aviation attorney from Barnett Law Offices can review the facts of your case and advise you on your rights and options. Barnett Law Offices can also help you gather and present the evidence needed to support your claim and negotiate a settlement.
Call us for your consultation today at 1-800-578-5512.
