rob@saffwein.com
215-695-3000

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The EEOC – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a Federal Agency that is bestowed with the authority to investigate workplace discrimination.  The local Philadelphia EEOC Branch is one of the busiest EEOC Locations in the Country.  Robert Maizel is an attorney who is well versed in the nuances of employment discrimination law, as well as the tangled web of the EEOC.

EEOC Overview

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered.

The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.

EEOC Authority & Role

The EEOC has the authority to investigate charges of discrimination against employers who are covered by the law. The EEOC’s role in an investigation is to fairly and accurately assess the allegations in the charge and then make a finding. The EEOC will also try to settle claims where the parties are agreeable to present their cases to a mediator.

Sometimes, the EEOC will conduct a hearing where possible, but this is only in the most extreme case.

In some matters, the EEOC will file a lawsuit to protect the rights of individuals and the interests of the public.  This only occurs in a small percentage of cases.

In the majority of cases, the EEOC will conduct an internal investigation into individual claims.  The EEOC investigator will ultimately issue a finding of:

  1. Recommendation of Discrimination,
  2. Recommendation of No-Discrimination, or
  3. Recommendation of No Finding.

Regardless of the EEOC Determination, all parties have the right to then file a lawsuit in Federal Court, but must do so within ninety (90) days of the EEOC Final Determination.  Therefore, when a party receives a Notice of Rights Letter, they must take immediate action to protect their rights.

EEOC Statute of Limitations and Employment Discrimination Statute of Limitations

All employment discrimination actions must be filed by filing a Charge with the EEOC within 180 days of the alleged violation.  The 180 day filing period may be extended to 300 days if the Charge is also covered by state or local anti-discrimination laws.

In Philadelphia, an individual has 300 days from the date of the alleged harm to file a charge with the Philadelphia Office of the EEOC against an employer with 15 or more employees for discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, and/or disability.  An individual has 300 days from the alleged harm to file with the Philadelphia EEOC Office against an employer with 20 or more employees for discrimination base on age. 

Charges against employers with 15 or fewer employees for Charges of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, and/or disability; or less than 20 employees for Charges based on age must be filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission within the time limits proscribed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 180 days.

How Can Robert Maizel Help You?

I am an experience employment lawyer who handles these matters regularly.  Our team investigates your claim to secure all of the information to help obtain a positive resolution to your case.  We know the law and we understand your needs.  No matter what your question, please feel free to call us at 215-695-3000 to discuss your case.  All consultations are free of charge.

Robert Maizel, Esquire

Robert Maizel is an Experienced Trial Attorney in Philadelphia with over fifteen years of trial experience.

You will speak to an attorney about your case!

Saffern & Weinberg has offices located in both Center City Philadelphia and Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.  Attorney Robert Maizel is a Partner with the Law Offices of Saffren & Weinberg.

Robert Maizel is associated with, and is Special Counsel with the Law Firm of Saffren & Weinberg. Robert Maizel is not a Law Firm, and rather Robert Maizel is affiliated with the Law Firm of Saffren & Weinberg.  All clients shall formulate an agreement with the Law Firm of Saffren & Weinberg, with the option of hiring Robert Maizel as lead counsel on your case to be heard in the State Courts of Pennsylvania, and Marc Weinberg as the lead counsel in cases to be heard in the Federal Courts of Pennsylvania.  Mr. Maizel handles all actions in the Administrative Courts of Pennsylvania including the EEOC and PaHRC.

Call Robert Maizel at 215-695-3000 to schedule your free consultation.

How Can I Help You?