Complying with the EEOC in Alabama
Birmingham Equal Employee Opportunity Commission Specialists
Few things can lead to problems quite fast or large in scope like failing to comply with the rules and regulations of the US Equal Employee Opportunity Commission. The Commission was established to ensure businesses do not practice discriminatory behavior when interviewing and hiring prospective employees in the United States. Understanding what is necessary and expected of businesses by the EEOC is important to ensure potential employees are treated fairly, and to avoid possible opportunities for lawsuits or unwanted negative headlines.
If you want to be sure your business properly complies with EEOC regulations, and that your hiring staff knows what to do and not do when interviewing an applicant, then call us to discuss the options available to you. At the Guster Law Firm, LLC, we specialize in diversity training and can help you understand compliance with the EEOC. Call us today at (205) 581-9777.
What is the US Equal Employee Opportunity Commission?
The Commission was established to ensure that federal laws passed to make discrimination illegal against job applicants and employees are enforced. Complying with the EEOC not only avoids violation of federal laws but also helps avoid potential lawsuits or negative media coverage for businesses. In general, businesses with 15 or more employees need to follow EEOC laws and may be regulated by the Commission as necessary. Smaller businesses usually do not need to follow these practices, since they are commonly run by a family or small group of friends.
What Does the EEOC Do?
In general, the EEOC investigates incidents in which a report is made to them of violations of federal employment discrimination laws. For example, if a person is asked inappropriate and illegal questions about religion or sexual orientation during a job interview, then that person might file a complaint or charge with the EEOC. The EEOC would then investigate the charge made by the applicant and try to act appropriately based on what it finds. In some cases, the EEOC may even file a lawsuit against a business that it finds to have engaged in illegal and discriminatory practices while hiring or among employees.
Complying with the EEOC
Compliance with EEOC guidelines and federal anti-discrimination laws is relatively simple, though guidance can help ensure inadvertent violations do not occur. While generally straightforward, Equal Employment Opportunity laws can be quite lengthy, which is why professional training in anti-discriminatory practices is quite helpful. It is better to avoid a violation, even one made accidentally, then to have to deal with the EEOC and a potential lawsuit from a wronged applicant or employee.
Forms of Discrimination Illegal Under Federal Law
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission upholds laws passed by the federal government regarding discrimination. The types of discrimination that are illegal have grown over the years, with new forms added on occasion. As such, it is important not only to ensure you comply with current regulations but also have ongoing education for your employees and business to make sure you are aware of any changes and updates to the laws as they occur.
With that in mind, federal law makes it illegal to discriminate both during the hiring process and when dealing with an established employee. Grounds for discrimination that are illegal currently include a person's:
- Race
- Skin color
- Religion
- National origin
- Age
- Disability
- Sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy)
- Genetic information
Federal law also makes it illegal to discriminate or take action against an employee who complains or files a charge against your company due to discrimination.
Professional EEOC Compliance Training in Alabama
The best way to ensure you and your employees follow all necessary EEOC guidelines and federal laws is through professional training and education.
If you want to ensure EEOC compliance, then call the Guster Law Firm, LLC at (205) 581-9777 today to talk about our available diversity training programs.
