WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will seek input from the public on its proposed enforcement guidelines addressing retaliation and similar issues under federal employment discrimination laws.
The EEOC enforces laws that make it illegal to retaliate in any way against an employee for discrimination complaints.
"Retaliation is a persistent and widespread problem in the nation's workplaces," EEOC Chair Jenny R. Yang said. "Ensuring that employees are free to come forward to report violations of our employment discrimination laws is the cornerstone for effective enforcement. If employees face retaliation for filing a charge, it undermines the protections of our federal civil rights laws.
"The commission's request for public input on this proposed enforcement guidance will promote transparency. It will also strengthen EEOC's ability to help employers prevent retaliation and to help employees understand their rights."
The percentage of retaliation has roughly doubled since 1998, the EEOC said. It is the No. 1 most alleged type of violation at the EEOC.
Public input will be used as the commission considers appropriate revisions to the draft guidance before finalizing it.