Knowing about the EEOC and what they do is important for any person experiencing workplace discrimination. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the Federal Agency that enforces the laws that make it unlawful to discriminate against employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The EEOC in Texas works collaboratively with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to protect the rights of employees in the state referred to earlier.
What is the EEOC in Texas?
The EEOC in Texas administers federal anti-discrimination laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which protect employees from discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, or working conditions. Texas has its anti-discrimination law referenced to the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act (TCHRA), supervised by the TWC, that gives the same protections as federal laws.
How the EEOC Process Works in Texas?
There are several phases for initiating a complaint with the EEOC in Texas, as follows:
- Filing a Charge: Employees have 300 days from the last day of the discrimination cycle to file a charge with the EEOC. In the charge, you must provide your facts about your employer, the kind of discrimination, what happened, and when and where it happened.
- Investigation: After the charge is filed, the EEOC will send a Notice of Charge to the employer, and the EEOC has 10 days to notify the employer. The EEOC will begin the investigation of your charge by contacting the employer. The investigation may consist of interviews, documents, and site visits.
- Mediation and Resolution: EEOC also offers mediation as a voluntary alternative and typically accepts charges to start mediation that bring resolution to the charge much quicker than litigation.
- Finding: If the EEOC discovers proof of discrimination, it will attempt to resolve the issue with the employer or sue the employer on your behalf. However, if the EEOC did not find proof of discrimination, you will receive a “right to sue” letter. You must file that on your own in a court of law within a certain time.
Discrimination Lawyers Dallas: Why Legal Representation Matters
Navigating through the process of workplace discrimination can feel overwhelming – especially when you are trying to navigate the challenges of an already complex legal process. Discrimination lawyers Dallas will help a worker have a smoother experience through the EEOC process. A competent law firm may assist with the following:
- Expert Advice: Discrimination attorneys know and understand the federal laws as well as Texas laws regarding employment and discrimination. They will help ensure that you properly prepare, file, and support your complaint with the best evidence.
- Strategic Representation: All law firms can help you assess the best course of action in your case, whether that’s mediation, settlement, or litigation.
- Protect Your Rights: A discrimination attorney knows how to handle claims involving race, gender, disability, age, retaliation, and others. They will protect your rights throughout the entire process, from filing the initial charge and beyond.
- Maximize Your Outcome: The legal professionals will engage in a negotiation process to achieve a favorable settlement on your behalf.
Common Types of Discrimination Handled by the EEOC in Texas
The EEOC has a Texas office and investigates the following types of discrimination in employment:
- Race and Color Discrimination: This includes treating different employees unequally due to race or skin color.
- Sex and Gender Discrimination: This includes sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination, as well as discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
- National Origin Discrimination: This is when someone treats an individual differently due to their birthplace, ethnicity, or accent.
- Disability Discrimination: This can be failing to provide reasonable accommodation or treating someone differently due to a physical or mental disability.
Why Choose Mijares Law Group for EEOC Claims?
To navigate the process of EEOC in Texas, Mijares Law Group is one of the best choices. They know local employers, local courts, and the nuances of Texas employment law. The company provides hands-on support, helping clients navigate both the EEOC and TWC processes efficiently and effectively. Their local insight can be an advantage in complicated or serious cases.
Conclusion
Employees in Texas who have experienced workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should not navigate the process of EEOC in Texas by themselves. A highly-rated law firm with experienced counsel and confidential consultations will make sure every client has their rights protected. They employ a robust employment law practice to help individuals seek justice and be treated fairly in the workplace.
Contact Mijares Law Group today to protect your rights and take the first step toward justice.
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