How to Deal With Discrimination on the Job

Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in the workplace. These laws protect against discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Other laws protect individuals with disabilities and workers 40 or older. Despite all these laws, many people still face discrimination in the workplace. Here are some tips to help you deal with on-the-job discrimination.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Read all discrimination policies in your employee handbook. Many employers have established anti-discrimination policies in the workplace and these policies are usually conveyed to employees in the employee manual or handbook. These policies should tell you how to report on-the-job discrimination.
2. Report the discriminatory behavior to a supervisor or the human resources department. Most employers will have a procedure for dealing with complaints of on-the-job discrimination and will take immediate action to investigate the complaint and take corrective action.
3. Contact your state Department of Labor (DOL). Your state DOL can provide you with forms to file your discrimination complaint against an employer. Provide all necessary information and the names of witnesses who can attest to the discriminatory conduct. The DOL will then investigate the alleged discriminatory conduct.
4. File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Provide your contact information, your employer's contact information, a short description of the alleged violation and the date it occurred. Like the state DOL, the EEOC will then initiate an investigation into the incident.
5. Consult an attorney experienced in employment law. An attorney can advise you on your rights and represent you in any potential litigation.

Tips & Warnings

• An EEOC complaint must be brought within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. This period may be extended to 300 days if the charge is also covered by a state discrimination law.
• You may want to file a grievance with your union if you are a union employee.