EEOC Discrimination EEOC Discrimination refers to a set of Federal Laws enacted by our government to address employer discrimination. These laws cover and prohibit discriminatory practices by employers in the work place. There are several laws that fall under the jurisdiction of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC. As a group, the laws prohibit discrimination by employers on the basis race, color, religion, sex, national origin and age. Another law covers the topic of equal pay for equal work performed by either men or women. Still another law handles the prohibition of discrimination against qualified workers with disabilities in the private sector, state and local governments and the federal government. It is essential that a Small Business owner be aware of these laws in order to run a successful operation. The Following Laws Prohibit Job Discrimination: • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Equal Pay Act of 1963 • Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 • Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 • Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Civil Rights Act of 1991 A discrimination charge filed with the EEOC against any Small Business Owner can eventually lead to a damaging lawsuit. Business owners who operate their business within the law still may find themselves facing a notice from the EEOC informing them that they have been accused of employment discrimination by a current, former, or prospective employee. Once a charge has been filed, there is a complex set of procedures that are followed to determine if the claims can be substantiated. Once proceedings start, there are opportunities available to resolve these complaints without a lawsuit. However, if after participating in mediation to address the complaint, the complaining party feels his rights are being violated, a lawsuit may still be filed. Employment Discrimination in any of its various forms deprives workers of there rights under the law. Foolish employers who do not meet their legal obligations under the law are jeopardizing not only their business, but also may not be taking advantage of talented and qualified workers to help improve their companies. The EEOC is the coordinating agency in regards to the Federal Governments nondiscrimminatio effort. They insure consistency in the government’s effort to combat workplace discrimination. They work with both business owners and the complainant in an attempt to resolve charges of discrimination. A Charge of discrimination filed against a small business owner can be very devastating and time consuming to address. If faced with a discrimination charge a Small Business Owner would be wise to retain the services of a qualified Business Attorney to help protect his rights under the law.