Definition of the Equal Employment Opportunity Law
Employees have the right under law to work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination and unfair treatment. Equal employment opportunity laws make it illegal to discriminate against employees and applicants because of such characteristics or classes as gender, religion, race, disability status or age. Although these laws are in place, employers must have a certain number of employees to be governed by them.
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Governing Laws
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Several laws promote equal employment opportunity and prohibit job discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 promotes equal pay for men and women who perform similar work in the same establishment. The Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 protects the rights of workers who are 40 years of age or older.
Governing Authority
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The governing authority that regulates and enforces equal employment opportunity laws is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The commission has the authority to settle discriminatory disputes between employers and workers by assessing discrimination allegations and filing lawsuits to protect the interests of individuals and the public.
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Purpose
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The purpose of equal employment opportunity laws is to prohibit discriminatory practices against job applicants and employees. These laws promote equality in the workplace in regard to job responsibilities, pay, promotional opportunity and fair treatment. Equal employment opportunity laws also provide governing agencies the legal authority to remedy acts of discrimination in the workplace by filing civil and criminal charges against employers who violate the law.
Covered Employers
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Not all employers are required to comply with equal employment opportunity laws. In most cases, the laws apply to employers with 15 or more employees. The age discrimination laws are applicable to employers with 20 employees or more. Also, only an employee, a job applicant, a former employee or a training or apprenticeship participant has rights under the laws. Independent contractors are not considered employees. Equal employment laws apply to businesses and private employers, state or local governments, federal government agencies, employment agencies, labor unions or joint apprenticeship committees.
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References
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