Employee Complaint Process

Aggrieved individuals who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age (40 and over), disability, parental status, genetic information, or sexual orientation must first contact an EEO Counselor. The aggrieved individuals who believe they have been discriminated against must contact an EEO Counselor within 45 calendar days of the date the matter alleged to be discriminatory or in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days of the effective date of the action. To file a formal discrimination complaint, the individual must file the complaint within 15 calendar days of receiving a Notice of Right to File a Discrimination Complaint from the EEO Counselor. Individuals should file their complaints with:

Individuals, who file complaints of discrimination on the basis of age or equal pay, may bypass the above procedures by going directly into the United States District Court after first giving the agency 30 days notice. DOT is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Employees who believe that the Department's facilities are inaccessible to persons with disabilities may file a complaint following Section 504 procedures.  Complaints alleging that the Department's electronic and information technology does not conform to Section 508 standards also should be filed following these procedures.  DOT employees wishing to file a 504 or 508 complaint should submit a written statement within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination to the External Civil Rights Programs Division of the Departmental Office of Civil Rights (DOCR) at the above-referenced address.