Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The EEOC accepts and investigates complaints alleging violations of federal laws that make it unlawful to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the individual’s race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), religion, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. Individuals must file charges of discrimination with the EEOC within a timely manner.

In partnership with the EEOC, the Employment Litigation Section has authority, pursuant to Section 706 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to file suit against a state or local government employer based upon an individual charge of discrimination referred to the Section by the EEOC, following a determination by the EEOC that the charge has merit and efforts to obtain voluntary compliance are unsuccessful. In cases where the Section decides not to file a lawsuit, the Section will issue the charging party a notice of right to sue which allows the charging party to file a lawsuit on his or her own behalf. To learn more about the EEOC, visit www.eeoc.gov.

Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS), Department of Labor

VETS accepts and investigates complaints alleging violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which prohibits discrimination in employment based on military service or affiliation. Under USERRA, servicemembers also have the right to reclaim their civilian employment after being absent due to military service. Servicemembers may file complaints with VETS, who will investigate and attempt to achieve voluntary compliance. In partnership with VETS, the Employment Litigation Section has authority to file suit on behalf of a servicemember based on a USERRA complaint referred to the Section by VETS. To learn more about VETS or how to file a USERRA complaint, visit www.dol.gov/vets.

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), Department of Labor

The OFCCP administers and enforces Executive Order 11246, which prohibits discrimination in employment by federal government contractors. In partnership with the OFCCP, the Employment Litigation Section has authority to prosecute enforcement actions in federal court upon referral by the OFCCP of complaints arising under Executive Order 11246. To learn more about the OFCCP, visit www.dol.gov/ofccp.

Department of Labor (DOL)

The DOL administers and enforces over 180 federal laws governing a wide range of workplace issues, including wage and hour matters, health and safety concerns, workers’ compensation, and employment discrimination. In partnership with the DOL, the Employment Litigation Section has authority to protect the employment rights of servicemembers and to prohibit employment discrimination by federal government contractors. To learn more about the many federal laws administered and enforced by the DOL, visit www.dol.gov.

Census Bureau

In partnership with a consortium of federal government agencies, the Employment Litigation Section works closely with the Census Bureau to create the Equal Employment Opportunity Special Tabulation File (EEO File). The EEO File, which uses general purpose demographic data, permits the Section and other federal government agencies to monitor and enforce civil rights regulations and laws in the area of employment by providing detailed occupational information by special tabulation variables. The EEO File is available to the general public at http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/eeoindex/eeoindex.html.
To learn more about the Census Bureau, visit www.census.gov.