I was told I was being laid off because we were slow. They said there was a possibility to move into an admin position with a $5.00 pay cut. (I really don't want to take that much of a pay cut) However, hey are hiring in other departments for the same salary I was making. Shouldn't I be able to slide into a department for about the same salary? Is there any web information someone can send me to research it?
Seems to me if they are hiring, I would make a good candidate--I've been there 2 years & until now, have loved working there. The people they have hired have little to none experience and they are training them, so experience isn't an issue.
Also, they told me Friday 6/29 and the HR person is out on emergency leave, so I have been waiting to find out any info. I show up to work each day--but don't know what I should be doing.

Thanks!

Are you a member of a union? Or have an employment contract?

If not, then unless you have evidence that you are being treated differently based on your gender, race, age, etc. it appears perfectly lawful.

Regarding your contention that you should be able to slide into another department, it presupposes that your possess the requirements and skill-set necessary for an entirely different department. But again, nothing in the law mandates that you be offered such a position.

The supervisor did state that I "looked the part" to work with a bunch of men in a surveying dept. I am a lesbian and took that as a bit of a jab, but was uncertain of the comments intention.

No union
No contract

Were others in your department also "laid off" or at least being told that they would be?

No, Im the only one in the company being laid off.

If you feel your being a lesbian was part of the reason you were laid off rather than transfered to another open position, you should file a claim with the DFEH.

I wholeheartedly agree with Megan. Be sure to document everything.

Especially if you meet the criteria for the position(s) and the others do not.

Thank you all for your help!