Protecting Workers from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

Every worker has the right to a safe and fair workplace. Nonetheless, many employees suffer discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment. Workers are protected by both federal and state laws and must be treated with respect.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Discrimination against a worker is when an employer treats him unfairly because of:

  • Race, color, or national origin
  • Gender or sexual orientation
  • Religion
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Genetic information

Depending on the number of employees, some businesses are not subject to discrimination laws. In such cases, the employees must check if their employer falls under the domain of these rules.

How to Report Workplace Discrimination

If you face discrimination, you can report it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by:

  • Filing an online inquiry.
  • Scheduling an interview with an EEOC officer.
  • Filing an official complaint.
  • Important: The majority of discrimination cases must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

Reporting to Local Authorities

States have their own Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPA). If your claim violates both state and federal laws, FEPA will refer the complaints to the EEOC.

For federal employees and contractors:

The government employees should file a complaint with the agency’s EEOC office in 45 days.

Federal contractors could file complaints with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).

Understanding Workplace Harassment

Harassment includes any act that is imposed on another person and which makes the working environment hostile. It can be:

  • Verbal abuse
  • Physical threats or violence
  • Intimidation or bullying
  • Offensive pictures or objects

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes sexually unwanted advances, inappropriate jokes, and requests for sexual favors. When it develops into the illegal presentation of an unsafe or hostile work environment, the employer treats people inappropriately in the matter of termination or promotion.

Situation of harassment:

  • Document everything- Keep records of incidents, dates, and people involved.
  • Take it to HR or management.
  • You can file a complaint with the EEOC or join with state FEPA.
  • Explanation of Workplace Retaliation:

Retaliation occurs when one punishes the employee for voicing concerns of harassment or discrimination. It can include:

  • Termination or demotion
  • Denial of promotions/benefits/bonuses
  • Threat or coercion

Some examples of protected activities are:

– Reporting discrimination/harassment

– Being a witness in an investigation

– Speaking out against unfair treatment

If that happens, you may file a complaint with the EEOC and, if warranted, take legal action.

How to prevent workplace harassment

Employers shall provide a workplace that is free from harm and is respectful by

  • Having a clear anti-harassment policy
  • training of employees and managers on how to recognize harassment and also prevent the same
  • creating an environment where open communication about discrimination and/or harassment occurs
  • protecting whistle-blowers from retaliation
  • investigations of complaints promptly and nondiscriminatorily

Also Read | China takes countermeasures as US tariffs on Chinese goods take effect

About admin

Embark on a journey with Angela Young, a storyteller at heart and advocate for workers' rights. Angela's narratives bridge cultures and illuminate the human experiences behind labor issues, fostering understanding and compassion in our shared pursuit of a more equitable world.

admin

Embark on a journey with Angela Young, a storyteller at heart and advocate for workers' rights. Angela's narratives bridge cultures and illuminate the human experiences behind labor issues, fostering understanding and compassion in our shared pursuit of a more equitable world.

Recent Posts

Google Chrome on iOS Adds Smart Tools for Work Life Balance – Here’s What’s New

Google is releasing a big update to Chrome on iOS that will help users better maintain a work life balance…

July 26, 2025

Unhireable or Undersupported? The Truth About Gen Z’s Mental Health

Mumbai, July 15, 2025 - A growing narrative paints Gen Z as entitled, difficult, and unfit forthe workplace. But fresh…

July 26, 2025

Kerala’s ASHA Workers Welcome Centre’s Monthly Pay Hike – Know Who Benefits

ASHA workers in Kerala who have held a long running protest over pay and pensions have welcomed the Central Government's…

July 26, 2025

Chandigarh to Finalize List of Eligible Workers Under CCS Pension Rules by Aug 15

In a major development that has fulfilled a long standing request of numerous government employees, Chandigarh Administration has announced that…

July 26, 2025

NASA Layoffs 2025: Nearly 4,000 Employees Cut Under Trump-Era Dismissal Plan

NASA is facing one of the largest workforce reductions in its history, with nearly 3,870 employees affected in 2025 due…

July 26, 2025

India-UK Agreement: 75,000 Indian Workers to Get 36 Month Social Security Relief – What Every Worker Should Know

In a historic agreement, India and the UK have agreed upon a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the intention to…

July 25, 2025