How to file a discrimination complaint with the EEOC, if an employee believes they have been discriminated against by an employer when applying for a job or while employed because of race, color, sex religion, national origin, age or disability, they may file a charge of discrimination with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Charges may be filed in person, by mail or by telephone by contacting the nearest EEOC office. If there is not an EEOC office in the immediate area, an employee can call toll free 800-669-4000 or 800-669-6820 (TDD) for more information. (EEOC).
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII).
Charges must be filed with EEOC within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. However, in states or localities where there is an antidiscrimination law and an agency authorized to grant or seek relief, a charge must be presented to that state or local agency. (EEOC).
Since most states have their own fair employment practice laws, they also have their own state and local enforcement agencies for employment discrimination claims. These agencies may contract with the EEOC to be what is called a 706 Agency. These agencies received and process claims of discrimination for the EEOC in addition to carrying on their own state buisness. (Bennett-Alexander and Hartman).
Local agencies serve as a type of screening process for the more serious cases. If the complaint is not satisfactorily disposed in this level, it may eventually be taken by the EEOC and, if necessary, litigated. State and local agencies have their own procedures, which are similar to those of the EEOC. If an employee files his or her claim with the EEOC when there is a 706 agency in the jurisdiction, the EEOC must defer the complaint to the 706 agency for 60 days before investigating. The employee can file the complaint with the EEOC, but the EEOC sends it to the 706 agency, and EEOC will not move on the claim for 60 days.