Protecting Your Rights Through EEOC Claims

Employees of both private enterprise and federal agencies are protected by federal laws that prohibit discrimination, harassment and retaliatory action in the workplace. Private enterprises, however, enjoy a bit more latitude when deciding to fire an employee. In short, it is difficult to fire a federal employee. Unfortunately, federal employees often experience the symptoms of a hostile work environment until they feel no choice but to quit. You shouldn’t be bullied out of your job. Let our federal employment law attorneys at Southworth PC go to work for you. Contact our office in Atlanta, Georgia, today. We handle litigation for employment law violation cases nationwide for federal employees, including those that involve:
  • Employer retaliation
  • Wrongful termination
  • Discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, national origin, disability or pregnancy
  • Discriminatory hiring, training or disciplinary practices

The Process Of Filing Claims As A Federal Employee

If you are facing these issues as a federal employee, taking action is not as simple as filing a lawsuit against your employer. There are a number of administrative processes that must be followed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It is wise to have a lawyer to guide you through this process.

The first step is to file an informal complaint with the EEO counselor at your workplace (or where you applied to work). This stage is designed to help settle disputes you have with your employer before they escalate into legal action.

If the dispute is not settled through the informal complaint, the second step will be to file a formal complaint with the EEOC. At this stage, the agency will review information and determine if the case should be dismissed due to a procedural error, or if there is enough evidence to warrant an investigation.

Once the investigation is complete, the third step will involve either accepting the agency’s decision on whether or not discrimination occurred, or request a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ will conduct a hearing, issue a decision and order relief if discrimination occurred.

What If I Did Not Get A Good Result In The ALJ Hearing?

If the decision is not in your favor, you may end up appealing the decision to the EEOC or filing a lawsuit in court.

No matter what, you must go through these administrative processes to get a result. Our firm has the skills needed to guide you through this process. Contact us online or call 888-899-7284 to set up a consultation.