Yes. It may sound odd that labor trafficking is subject to anti-discrimination laws, but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission subjects traffickers to civil penalties in addition to, or in lieu of, criminal convictions in certain situations. Labor trafficking victims are often targeted by predatory employers who perceive them as vulnerable for characteristics such as their immigration status or if they have an intellectual disability. Federal laws prohibit employment or workplace discrimination on the bases of race, sex, nationality, age, or disability.
People who are exploited for their labor by an employer because they fall into one of these categories may seek compensation in civil court regardless of whether their trafficker is charged criminally. In situations that do not arise to the level of trafficking, an employee may still have a claim for sexual harassment or workplace discrimination. Visit our page on employment discrimination to learn more about the applicable laws and how to file a claim. Contact a lawyer if you believe you have a claim.