Southworth PC is proud to highlight a recent success in a federal employment discrimination and retaliation case, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to defending the rights of federal employees.
Case Background
Our Client, a federal employee with over a decade of federal service, faced multiple challenges after reporting harassment and workplace hostility. Following a series of incidents involving the local union president, our client was subjected to baseless rumors and unfounded complaints from subordinates. When our client sought to address these issues through the Agency’s Harassment Prevention Program (HPP), the Agency failed to take appropriate action. Additionally, during an internal investigation, the Agency reassigned her to a less favorable location, further compounding the emotional toll of the harassment.
Legal Challenges
One of the major obstacles in this case was the Agency’s decision to dismiss our Client’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint, arguing that her claims were merely collateral attacks on administrative processes. Additionally, the Agency dismissed her claims regarding the hostile work environment created by the union president, asserting that the union’s actions were outside the scope of the EEO process.
Legal Grounds
Southworth PC, with our team of skilled federal employment lawyers, argued that our Client’s complaints were not simply about administrative processes but about unlawful discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We demonstrated that the Agency’s failure to respond to her harassment claims and the subsequent reassignment were directly linked to her prior EEO activity, constituting retaliation.
The Outcome
Upon appeal, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled in favor of our Client. The Commission found that her claims of retaliation and discrimination were valid and ordered the Agency to reopen her case. The EEOC also emphasized that the Agency must address her reassignment and its failure to appropriately respond to her harassment complaints, providing her with a fair investigation.
Work With Federal Employment Lawyers
This case underscores the importance of holding federal agencies accountable for their treatment of employees, particularly when EEO laws are violated. At Southworth PC, we believe that no federal employee should suffer in silence or fear retaliation for standing up for their rights.
If you are facing discrimination or retaliation at work, our skilled federal employment lawyers are here to assist you. Reach out to Southworth PC today to discuss your legal options and obtain the representation you need.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.