Work is a big chunk of your life. It should be a place where you feel respected and judged for the skills you offer, not who you are. But unfortunately, discrimination is something that happens in the big, bad world of work – even if people say otherwise.
Simply put, workplace discrimination is when an employee is treated unfairly, usually because of a protected characteristic. Age, color, disability, pregnancy, race, religion, and the like are classes as protected characteristics.
Discrimination shows up in many ways, too – being pass over for promotions, paid less than others who do the exact same job as you, or even harassed or fired. What you experience might not be the same as another worker who is being discriminated against; all experiences are individual.
If this sounds familiar, just know you aren’t alone. In fact, over 60% of workers report witnessing or experiencing discrimination. At least there are options available for assistance in these situations, and that’s exactly what this post aims to explain.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency. It enforces laws against workplace discrimination. If you believe your rights have been violated, filing a charge with the EEOC is a must. It is typically the first formal step.
This process usually begins with an intake interview. You’ll explain what happened here. If the EEOC accepts your claim, they will act. They might investigate, ask your employer for a response, or offer mediation to resolve the issue. In some cases, the EEOC will file a lawsuit on your behalf. If they don’t, they might issue a “right to sue” letter instead.
If you’re unsure whether or not you experienced illegal discrimination, the EEOC is especially useful. Their role is to help you sort that out.
State or Local Agencies
In addition to federal protections, most states and cities have their own anti-discrimination laws. These laws are often enforced by state labor departments or human rights agencies. Local laws do offer broader protections than federal law at times. They will also apply to smaller employers.
State or local agencies have different deadlines, procedures, and remedies. They might move faster, focus more on mediation, or allow claims that federal law does not. Filing with one of these agencies also preserves your right to pursue a claim later if necessary – you might not think this is an option at the time, but it could be in the future.
Check both federal and local options if you’re looking for help for employees facing workplace conflict.
Private Attorneys or Legal Aid Organizations
Speaking directly to an employment attorney is another option. Many offer free initial consultations and help you understand the strength of your case. They’ll also help you with possible outcomes and next steps. Private attorneys might even handle negotiations, file lawsuits, and/or represent you in hearings.
But hiring a lawyer might not be the most affordable choice. Instead, legal aid organizations and worker advocacy groups might be able to help. These are nonprofit organizations that assist low-income workers or focus on specific issues – think disability rights and wage discrimination.
To conclude, no one wants to face discrimination. It’ll feel overwhelming, particularly at work, but there are options for support. Knowing your options is a strong first step toward protecting your rights and choosing how to move forward.
