Nevada State Department of Business & Industry

The Silver State of Nevada has seen a population boom over the past decade. A census in 2000 pegged the population at under two million. As of 2008, there were more than 2.6 million people in NV. The state brings in about $127 billion in gross product annually.

Nevada is a study in contrast. The two largest cities, Reno and Las Vegas, attract tourists, international high rollers, and conventioneers to glittering casinos. The vast majority of the state, however, consists of stark, barely populated desert. Nevada’s economy depends in a large part on gaming and tourism. But the state supports an array of other industries, including mining, food processing, and various agricultural businesses. The military also owns and operates many facilities (some of them top secret) throughout NV. Cattle and sheep farming comprise a central part of the state’s agricultural economy.

The Nevada State Department of Business & Industry (a subdivision of the state’s labor commissioner’s office) oversees employment discrimination in Nevada. This body has statewide jurisdiction to investigate and enforce wage and hour violations. The Office of the Labor Commissioner can schedule hearings to assess case claims. The department deals with disability, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints and often works hand in hand with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission to enforce anti-harassment and anti-discrimination laws.

Las Vegas, Nevada – also known as Sin City – sees its fair share of unique and bizarre employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases. Casinos naturally attract risk-takers and freewheelers. The laissez-faire attitudes of Vegas employers can lead to trouble. For instance, in March 2009, the owners of a chain of restaurants in Vegas had to pay nearly half a million dollars for allowing racial discrimination against African-American employees and wait staff, who were routinely harassed and sworn at.

If you have a race or gender based discrimination problem with your Nevada employer, or, for that matter, any behavior you feel abuses your rights as an employee, the firm of Joseph, Herzfeld, Hester & Kirschenbaum LLP can offer guidance. Connect with us to get a confidential consultation.