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An employer should always check whether the proposed dismissal is discriminatory
Mrs X is experiencing a particularly difficult pregnancy. In the course of her work, she commits a particularly serious professional error. Her employer decides to dismiss her. On the day of the hand-delivered letter of invitation to the preliminary dismissal interview, Mrs X officially announces her pregnancy.
Her employer, determined to terminate the employee's employment contract, decided to pursue the dismissal procedure.
A dismissal on personal grounds is invalid if it is based on a discriminatory ground.
The employer can dismiss for serious misconduct an employee even when the state of pregnancy is medically established, as long as the fault, which makes it impossible to maintain the contract, has its origin in a reason unrelated to the pregnancy.
However, the employer retains this flexibility, but only outside the periods of suspension of the employment contract due to the pregnancy.
Article 1132-1 of the French Code du provides that no one may be dismissed on the grounds of origin, sex, morals, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status or pregnancy, genetic characteristics, particular vulnerability resulting from the economic situation, apparent or known to the perpetrator, membership or non-membership, real or supposed, of an ethnic group, nation or so-called race, political opinions, trade union or mutualist activities, holding a local elected office, religious beliefs, physical appearance, surname, place of residence or bank address, or by reason of health, loss of autonomy or disability, or ability to express oneself in a language other than French.
Violation of the protective status of a related to a work stoppage because of a pathological condition linked to exposure to distilbene, the dismissal is null and void.
Even though the employer had already sent the employee a letter of invitation to a preliminary dismissal interview, he could not dismiss her once he had been informed of her pregnancy.
Indeed, even if the employer had the option of dismissing his employee due to her misconduct not linked to his pregnancy, he should have waited until the end of the suspension of his employment contract.
This is what the Social Chamber of the Court of Cassation ruled in a judgment of 15 January 2020 (appeal no. 18-24736).
Ms X may therefore request reinstatement in her job or, failing that, in an equivalent job.
What you need to know
The employer cannot object to the reinstatement, unless reinstatement is impossible.
If the employee is reinstated in the company, he is entitled to payment of an indemnity corresponding to the total sum of the wages he did not receive during the period between the termination of the contract and his reinstatement.
If the employee refuses reinstatement (or it is impossible), he/she will be entitled to the following compensation
- Termination benefits (severance pay, compensation in lieu of notice, compensation for loss of employment) paid holidays),
- Compensation to be paid by the employer corresponding to 6 months' wages.
Other cases of discrimination leading to invalidity of the dismissal
- In cases where the professional shortcomings are due to the employee's health, the dismissal may be considered discriminatory.
- When the employee is dismissed in violation of a fundamental freedom such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of religion or the employee's right to withdraw from work in case of imminent danger to his or her health,
- when the dismissal is linked to acts of moral or sexual harassment
- where the dismissal is a result of a legal action in the field of gender equality
- when the employee is dismissed for exercising his or her constitutionally recognised right to strike,
- where the dismissal is based on the employee's sexual orientation.
Frequently asked questions
What is discriminatory dismissal?
A discriminatory dismissal is a dismissal based on an illegal ground such as origin, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, health status or trade union activities. It is void and may give rise to damages.
Can I challenge a dismissal I believe is discriminatory?
Yes, you can refer the matter to the labor court within 12 months of the dismissal. You must provide factual elements suggesting discrimination, then the employer must prove that its decision is justified by objective elements.
What are the deadlines to act in case of discriminatory dismissal?
The statute of limitations is 5 years from the notification of dismissal for damages, and 12 months to challenge the termination before the labor court. It is crucial to act quickly.
What are the costs of legal action for discriminatory dismissal?
Lawyer fees vary depending on complexity. An initial consultation is often charged between €200 and €400 including tax. Aids such as legal aid may be applied for subject to income conditions.
What to do if my employer fires me after reporting discrimination?
This dismissal could be considered a retaliatory measure, therefore null. You can claim increased damages and possibly reinstatement. Consult a specialized lawyer without delay.
