WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court is making it easier for federal workers to file employment discrimination lawsuits after quitting their jobs over conditions they consider intolerable.

The justices ruled 7-1 Monday that workers who bring so-called "constructive discharge" claims have 45 days from the time they resign to begin the process. The court rejected the Justice Department's position that the clock should start running when the alleged abuse occurs.

The ruling gives employees more time to bring bias lawsuits for discriminatory acts that occurred months or years before legal action begins.

The court sided with Marvin Green, a former Colorado postmaster who says he was forced to quit his job due to racial discrimination.

A federal appeals court dismissed Green's case after ruling that he waited too long to file a complaint.