How Does Equal Employment Opprotunity Work?
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Introduction
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a government agency that seeks to end discrimination in the workplace. The EEOC was established in 1964 in response to the civil-rights movement. The employment laws and policies set forth by the EEOC ensure that all job applicants are treated fairly in the hiring process and are considered for jobs based solely on merit and qualifications. This federal agency also deals with other issues in the workplace, such as sexual harassment, affirmative action and equal pay. The EEOC tries to protect the rights of individuals in the workplace.
What the EEOC Does
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The EEOC enforces laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The agency also handles discrimination complaints for violations of the above laws. The EEOC investigates discrimination claims filed by individuals who feel they were treated unfairly while seeking employment. Such complaints include being asked illegal questions about age or national origin during a job interview that resulted in not being offered a position. A person can also file a complaint for sexual harassment and unequal pay for the same job. After these complaints are officially filed, the EEOC tries to resolve the matters. There is an intensive and lengthy investigation of the charges. The EEOC offers mediation to resolve some disputes between job applicants or employees and the companies. The EEOC can also take legal action against companies for violating EEOC policies. If the EEOC receives many similar complaints about the same company, it can start a lawsuit against that company on behalf all of the individuals who filed complaints. The EECO seeks to make companies accountable for any illegal actions in the workplace that infringe on the rights of its employees and potential employees. The EECO also protects employees from retaliation from companies for filing complaints, starting unions and other activities that are permissible under employment laws.
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Your Rights in the Workplace
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The EEOC makes certain question illegal during a job interview. Employers are only allowed to ask questions that relate to work history, job qualifications, education and other criteria that may affect a person's ability to perform the job. It is illegal to ask questions about national origin, religion, race, color, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, parenting status and criminal record. In many cases, questions about these matters are asked because the employer does not know the law. This ignorance of employment law is more common in smaller companies. If you are asked an illegal question during a job interview, you have the right to file a complaint with the EEOC.
In the workplace, you are entitled to feel physically and emotionally safe. Harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, is against the law. Not being promoted based on gender, age, race or any other criteria that do not affect your ability to do a job is also illegal, and is grounds for a complaint with the EEOC. The EEOC website offers a great deal of information about employment law and how to protect your rights in the workplace.
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