Discrimination and Harassment at Your Job
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.
Protections Included Under the Law
These laws protect employees and job applicants against:
Discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment in the workplace by anyone because of:
Being denied reasonable workplace accommodations for a disability or religious beliefs
Retaliation because they:
How to File an Employment Discrimination Complaint
To file a complaint, contact your EEOC field office.
Many state and local governments have anti-discrimination laws. These laws may offer extra protection beyond federal law.
Some state laws:
Apply to businesses with only five or six employees
Prohibit discrimination based on whether you're married or have children
Have different deadlines for filing a charge
Have different standards for deciding whether you're covered
Many state laws have more protections for nursing mothers than federal law requires. State labor offices enforce these laws.
Filing a Lawsuit
If you're a victim of job discrimination or harassment, you can file a lawsuit. If the discrimination violates federal law, you must first file a charge with the EEOC. (This does not apply to cases of unequal pay between men and women.)
You may decide to sue if the EEOC cannot help you. In either case, look for an attorney who specializes in employment law. You can check with:
Not All Employers Are Subject to EEOC Laws
Only employers with a certain number of employees are subject to EEOC laws. The number of employees changes depending on the type of employer and the kind of discrimination alleged.
Businesses, state, and local governments must follow most EEOC laws if they have 15 or more employees.
Federal agencies must follow all EEOC laws, no matter how many employees they have.
Laws that the EEOC Enforces
Federal employment discrimination laws include:
What is Harassment?
Harassment is unwelcome conduct based on:
Race
Color
Religion
Sex
National origin
Age
Pregnancy
Disability
Genetic information
It can include:
Sexual harassment may include:
Unwelcome sexual advances
Requests for sexual favors
Other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature
Offensive remarks about a person's sex
Harassment becomes illegal when:
Protection from Retaliation
EEOC laws protect employees and job applicants from retaliation. For example, it’s unlawful to punish people for:
Wrongful Discharge/Termination of Employment
If you feel that you have been wrongfully fired from a job or let go from an employment situation, you may wish to learn more about your state's wrongful discharge laws.
Wrongful Discharge/Termination Laws
- Wrongful termination or wrongful discharge laws vary from state to state.
- Some states are "employment-at-will" states, which means that if there is no employment contract (or collective bargaining agreement), an employer can let an employee go for any reason, or no reason, with or without notice, as long as the discharge does not violate a law.
If you feel you have been wrongfully discharged or terminated from employment, you may:
Employer Guidance for Discharge/Termination
If you are an employer seeking information about legal termination of employees, you may wish to contact both the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and your State Labor Office to ensure you do not violate any federal or state labor laws. You may wish to consult with a licensed attorney.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal labor law that allows eligible employees to take an extended leave of absence from work.
Situations Included Under FMLA
Illness
Caring for a qualifying sick family member
The birth or adoption of a child
Military caregiving or other emergencies related to a family member's active duty service
This unpaid leave is guaranteed by law and is available to workers at companies with 50 or more employees. FMLA fact sheets can help you understand your rights and coverage.
Questions or Reporting a Violation of the FMLA
If you have unanswered questions about the FMLA or you believe someone has violated your rights under FMLA, contact the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division for assistance.
Employer Responsibilities Under FMLA
Employers with FMLA eligible employees have specific rights and responsibilities under the law. Learn how different types of employers may be covered by the FMLA.
If you’re an employer with concerns about false FMLA leave, contact your company’s legal and human resources department. You can also contact the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
Minimum Wage, Overtime, and Misclassification
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces some of the nation's most comprehensive labor laws. These include the Fair labor Standards Act (FLSA). These laws govern:
State Labor Laws
In addition to the federal laws, each state has its own labor laws, which vary from state to state.
Minimum Wage
Overtime Pay
An employer may require or permit a worker to work overtime. The Fair Labor Standards Act states that workers who clock more than 40 hours per week are to get overtime pay. There are few exceptions to this rule.
Misclassification
An employer says a worker is an independent contractor. The law says the worker is an employee. That's misclassification, which can:
Affect a worker’s pay, protections, and benefits
Cause tax problems for both businesses and workers
If you’ve been misclassified, contact your state labor office or file a complaint with the Department of Labor.
Unsafe Workplace Complaints and Conditions
The type of workplace issue determines which government agency can help you.
Ask a Question or File a Complaint About a Safety Issue in Your Workplace
Workers’ Safety Rights
You’re entitled to certain rights in the workplace - especially ones that keep you safe. These include the right to:
Be trained in a language that you understand
Be provided with the necessary safety equipment
Report injury or illness
Voice your concern over unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation
Workers' Compensation for Illness or Injury on the Job
Workers' compensation laws protect employees who get hurt on the job or sick from it. The laws establish workers’ comp, a form of insurance that employers pay for. These laws vary from state to state and for federal employees.
Benefits Provided by Workers' Compensation
In general, workers’ comp provides:
Coverage for workers’ medical expenses
Compensation for lost wages while a worker is out recovering
Benefits for dependents of workers who died from job-related hazards
Private Sector and State or Local Government Employees
If you get hurt working for a private company or state or local government, seek help through your state. Your state workers' compensation program can help you file a claim. If your claim is denied, you can appeal.
Longshore and Harbor Workers, Coal Miners, Nuclear Weapons Workers, and Federal Employees
Federal laws protect longshore and harbor workers, coal miners, nuclear weapons workers employed by the Department of Energy (DOE) or a DOE contractor, and federal employees. Contact the workers' compensation program that applies to you for help filing a claim.
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Last Updated: October 27, 2021