An employer's work policies must be applied to all employees in a nondiscriminatory manner. According to FindLaw.com, anti-discrimination laws regulate all aspects of work including hiring, firing, promotions, job duties, wages, benefits and reviews. Policies and actions that do not appear discriminatory on their face may be prohibited under the law if those practices have the effect of discriminating against people in a protected class.

Not all discrimination is prohibited by law. Only discrimination based upon a classification that is considered 'protected' -- race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or union activity under the federal anti-discrimination laws -- is illegal. For example, paying an employee lower wages than others because of differing work duties or experience is not discriminatory.