
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal civil rights laws that defend people in protected classes from enduring workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. When you work for a government agency, your rights as a federal employee are protected under a number of federal employment laws. If you need to report discrimination, harassment, or retaliation occurring in your workplace, talk to us, and we will connect you with a qualified federal EEOC lawyer. By retaining a federal employment attorney you stand a better chance of filing your claim on time and securing the best possible outcome.
There are many forms of workplace discrimination, and they could emerge in even the most careful organizations. If you are being harassed at work or you feel that you’ve been discriminated against, you have a responsibility to inform your employer. But what happens if they ignore you or don’t take corrective action?
One of your Agency’s responsibilities is to ensure that your rights are protected in the workplace. They should take appropriate measures to prevent violations, protect whistleblowers from retaliation, and institute guidelines to punish violators. Your employer must also provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities and for those who need accommodations for their sincerely held religious beliefs. Federal laws protect you from being harassed and discriminated against at the workplace should your Agency fail to protect you from workplace harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
Protected classes exist under federal civil rights laws to shield certain groups from employment discrimination, workplace harassment, and retaliation based on origin, background, or other distinguishing features. All federally protected groups extend to both government and private sector employment and include the following:
These protections apply to job seekers as well as current and former employees of a federal agency.
The EEOC defines harassment as any unwelcome conduct towards an individual in a federally protected class. Aside from violent acts or sexual misconduct, what constitutes unlawful harassment in the workplace can be difficult to discern.
Harassment is considered unlawful when it creates a hostile environment and the targeted individual experiences:
If you feel that you have been discriminated against or have suffered from workplace harassment, talk to a federal EEOC attorney to help you get the justice you deserve.
While firing an employee for legitimate reasons isn’t illegal, firing them for filing a complaint with the EEOC or their Agency’s EEO office is against the law. Retaliation against a federal employee for reporting concerns about employment discrimination, workplace harassment, or suspected violation of law is unlawful. Any termination or other negative employment action that occurs after engaging in such protected activity, even for legitimate reasons, will undergo serious scrutiny. The employer must prove that the adverse employment action was not in any way related to the protected activity. As your dedicated federal EEOC lawyer, we will investigate the circumstances of your claim to help you get justice and hold your employer accountable.
Federal employees have a strict deadline of 45 days from the date of the occurrence to contact their agency’s internal EEO office. Failing to report discrimination within that timeframe will prevent you from being able to file a claim.
As a federal employee, an EEOC attorney with experience representing federal employees can help you no matter the state in which you live and work. For more insights on navigating the process, contact a federal EEOC lawyer to help with your case.
As soon as you believe that you have been discriminated, subjected to unlawful harassment, or retaliated against you should seek advice from an attorney who has experience representing federal employees. The best time to call a federal EEOC lawyer is before filing your claim. They will look into your complaint to determine if there is sufficient evidence and assist in preparing the strongest case possible.
We know that sometimes federal employees do not realize they need legal representation for these types of claims from the beginning. We have experience getting involved at every stage of the process and will represent you as if we were there from the start. Call us today to schedule a free, confidential case review.
Harassment is unwanted behavior towards another individual based on their membership in a protected class such as race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or in retaliation for engaging in protected activity). It is illegal when this conduct becomes severe enough that it becomes a habit that you have to endure during your employment. You might be undergoing harassment if you find yourself on the receiving end of offensive jokes, threats, intimidation, assaults, constant ridicule, and other uninvited gestures that interfere with your work performance. There are many circumstances where your employer is liable for workplace harassment.
Harassment in the workplace is protected under three federal laws:
If you are a federal employee, you must work with your agency’s EEO office before you can file a formal complaint. Under federal employment laws, a hostile work environment exists when you’re being harassed or discriminated against to a point that is alters the terms and conditions of your employment. All forms of discrimination and harassment, and especially sexual harassment, can lead to a hostile work environment. Federal laws also protect employees from retaliation by employers for whistleblowing, even if your employer is a government agency. You have the right to consult with a federal EEOC attorney before you file your claim.
While retaining a lawyer is not a requirement, working with an experienced federal employment attorney will increase your chances of securing the best possible outcome. Your lawyer will advise you on the best approach to get the justice you deserve. Our attorneys will advise you every step of the way and help you achieve the best possible outcome and maximum compensation.