Employers have the responsibility of always following state- and federal-level employment laws and regulations, as well as taking reasonable steps to ensure their employees do as well. When the regulations and expectations are not followed and met, the result can be a serious legal issue that leads to an official complaint. Most complaints can be categorized as an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint, inspector general complaint, or an Office of Special Counsel (OSC) complaint. But what type of complaint is the most common?
Five of the most frequently occurring complaints, in no particular order, are:
- Discrimination: Most workers belong to a series of federally protected classes, such as national origin, skin color, religion, disability, etc. Discrimination occurs when someone is treated differently due to one or more such classes.
- Sexual harassment: Workplace harassment is a common thread across all industries and business types. Unwanted romantic advances, sex-related jokes, and inappropriate touching all constitute sexual harassment.
- Waste: Higher-ups and executives in governmental places of employment may be given the duty to carefully spend agency funds, or allocate them as directed by taxpayer votes. Failing to do so can be considered waste, or even fraud.
- Nepotism: A federal place of employment must allow everyone an equal opportunity to gain employment there. Nepotism is the act of choosing a friend, relative, or close family member over another candidate for employment, promotion, or bonuses solely due to relations.
- Whistleblower retaliation: Anyone who notices or suspects their employer of violating the law can report it to the proper authorities without fear of retaliation. It is strictly illegal for an employer to treat an employee differently for becoming a whistleblower.
Do you need to file an official complaint of your own but do not know where to start? The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorneys at Law, PLLC can be retained as your legal guide when filing or following through with a complaint. Consultations are available over-the-phone. Contact us now.
