Employees typically trust that when they go to work, they will be treated fairly and respectfully. While that is true in the majority of workplaces, there are some instances where that is not the case. Some workers have superiors or other co-workers who may be unfairly discriminatory or create a work environment where not every employee feels safe and welcome. Fortunately, there are laws here in California and around the country meant to give employees recourse when they encounter these situations. One out-of-state law enforcement oversight committee made the recent choice to revoke the certification of one of its sheriffs who was accused of sexual harassment.

Local reports state that late last year, the sheriff confessed to seven different incidents of sexual harassment at his place of work. He was accused of putting sexually-explicit items on display where employees could see them and also commenting inappropriately on employees' personal lives. Commissioners on the oversight board heard the sheriff's statements and made the choice to take away his certification.

Not every employer-employee relationship works. At times, that relationship can degrade to the point where the employee decides to quit. The problem is that if the behavior of those representing the employer -- such as supervisors, managers and even co-workers -- becomes egregious, it often creates a hostile work environment. Under those circumstances, a Long Beach resident may decide to quit, which may constitute a constructive dismissal, or wrongful termination.

Where an employer may argue that the worker quit voluntarily, allowing the workplace to become so hostile that it caused him or her to quit could negate that assertion. If the evidence shows that the employer failed to live up to an implied or express employment contract or engaged in unlawful conduct, then there could be a case for wrongful termination. However, it will take more than a statement from the employee to make the case.

California fans of "The Rookie" will not see one of its stars, Afton Williamson, return for the second season. She claims she was forced to endure racial discrimination and sexual harassment during the first season, and simply cannot return to the show. Feeling forced to leave a job due to these types of hostilities continues to be a common theme for women across the country.

According to Williamson, the head of the hair department was unabashedly racist and routinely bullied her and used racially charged language. According to her, additional bullying came from the highest levels of the production. She claims her complaints about this behavior were not investigated and reported as she was promised. The harassment allegedly reached the point where this individual sexually assaulted Williamson at a wrap party. She says that only after this incident was the individual's employment terminated.

Long Beach soccer fans may know that the U.S. women's soccer team recently competed in the World Cup, but defending their title as champions could prove easier than the battle they face in the courts. Several of the women allege in a lawsuit that they face workplace discrimination because they do not receive the same compensation as their male counterparts. Court documents assert violations of the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

According to the women, the U.S. Soccer Federation does not pay them what they pay members of the men's soccer team, but this is not the only allegation of gender inequality cited. The 28 women say they do not receive the same training, promotion of their games, travel conditions as the men's team does. They say they work just as hard, and seem to outperform, the men's team, so they should receive at least the same compensation.