North Carolina State Job Discrimination Law Requirements

September 18th, 2006 Posted by Rachel

Most of the time you will find that there are both federal and state regulations in place to monitor and enforce discrimination in the workplace. Employees should be free to work in an environment absent any harassment or discrimination. Most states have established their own rules about what is acceptable behavior and what constitutes unlawful employment practices. Usually there is a state agency or department dedicated to enforcing these regulations and a person could go to them with questions or concerns about a harassment or discrimination issue, or to file a complaint if they felt their rights had been violated. North Carolina is one of the few states that do not have a State organization or agency to deal with these matters.

In fact, where there are specific regulations and definitions of what constitutes discrimination under North Carolina (NC) job discrimination law in the workplace, there are no such remedies to enforce them. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap (disability), Additionally there are separate statutes that make it illegal for an employer to discriminate on the basis of traits for sickle cell or hemoglobin C, or other genetic information. The law protects employees from being discriminated against because of AIDS or HIV, however employers are allowed to require applicants to take a pre-employment HIV test and are permitted to deny employment based upon a positive test result. Current employees may not be tested.

If you feel your rights under North Carolina (NC) job discrimination law in the workplace have been violated you must report it to your local Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) office within 180 days. If you feel you have been discriminated against under the separate statutes the only option you have would be to file a lawsuit.

No Comments >> Posted in Discrimination,Employment Laws,Hostile Environment,North Carolina

North Carolina Sexual Discrimination Law in the Workplace

August 28th, 2006 Posted by Hannah

North Carolina sexual discrimination law in the workplace is quite unique compared to other state laws. First of all, the state has the North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act which makes sexual discrimination in the workplace illegal, but it doesn’t have specific repercussions for employers nor does the state have an agency to investigate or make judgment on claims falling under this Act. The North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings Civil Rights Division will cover cases for state and county employees, however.

People who have experienced sexual discrimination in the workplace who are current or former state or county employees can file a charge with the Division within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. The Division will send your employer a copy of the complaint and give him or her a chance to respond to the complaint. Then, an investigator will take over your case and collect the necessary information to make a decision. If the investigator finds probable cause that your rights have been violated, you and your employer will enter a settlement phase. If unsuccessful you can either choose to take the case to a hearing before the Administrative Law Judge, you can request a “Right to Sue” letter from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or your can try conciliation through the EEOC.

People who are not state or county employees must go with the EEOC by contacting their regional office. To file a claim, you’ll need to provide your contact information, your employer’s contact information and approximate number of employees as well as a detailed account of the incident in question. These complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged illegal act.

Since North Carolina sexual discrimination law in the workplace is so unique compared to federal and other state laws, it’s very important for employers to keep updated North Carolina Labor Law Posters so that everyone can stay informed of their rights and responsibilities.

No Comments >> Posted in Discrimination,Employment Laws,Hostile Environment,North Carolina

State of North Carolina (NC) Mandatory Discrimination Postings

August 24th, 2006 Posted by Derrick

I think that the anti-discrimination laws in North Carolina need to be discussed. More specifically, the requirement for the North Carolina state discrimination posters to be displayed in the workplace needs to be explained. The law requires that employers in North Carolina display the North Carolina state discrimination posters in the workplace. These posters must be placed in an area where all employees will have an excellent opportunity to see them. They also must contain information as required by law.

North Carolina and U.S. law prohibits the illegal discrimination of employees. The North Carolina state discrimination posters outline an employee’s rights to fair treatment. No employee can be discriminated against because of their race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Employees are also protected from any type of retaliation as a result of filing a discrimination complaint.

Any employee in State or County government can file a discrimination complaint with the North Carolina Civil Rights Division in the Office of Administrative Hearings. Other employees in North Carolina who feel they are a victim of discrimination should file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The complaints should be filed as soon as possible because there is a time limit in which the claim must be filed.

Discrimination acts include but aren’t limited to: a qualified person not being hired or promoted, a qualified person being fired, or any other unfair act that takes place in the workplace because of one of the reasons mentioned above.

Let’s face it; in order for an employee to protect his/her rights, the employee needs to know what rights he/she has under the law. For this reason, the law requires that the North Carolina state discrimination posters be displayed in every workplace. These posters must contain the information required by law and they must be displayed in an area where all employees will be able to see them. Any employer who fails to do this is in violation of the law.

No Comments >> Posted in Discrimination,Employment Laws,Hostile Environment,North Carolina

North Carolina (NC) Age Discrimination Law in the Workplace

August 19th, 2006 Posted by Ashley

If you’re looking for help with an employment discrimination issue in North Carolina, you’ll probably find it with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency. The reason is that the North Carolina Human Relations Commission points out that the state does not have provision for filing lawsuits in its own “fair employment” law. Generally, you are allowed to file a “public policy” claim in court, although not with the state agency. This claim, based on state law, can be applied to businesses that have fewer than 20 employees.

If you contact the commission, you will be referred to the EEOC, other appropriate agencies or to a private attorney. As originally established, the Human Relations Commission in North Carolina exists to “promote equality” and “promote understanding” among citizens as well as to encourage equal employment opportunities for citizens.

The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services refer inquiries to the federal level too. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) you are covered if you work for an employer who has 20 or more workers and if you are 40 or over. Those who ask are told to be sure to file a complaint with the EEOC within 180 days of the alleged incident.

North Carolina maintains an Office of Administrative Hearings, an office established by state law that may assist with cases from the EEOC. The chief judge of this agency is authorized to contract with the EEOC to serve as a “deferral agency” and to maintain a Civil Rights Division. Another way to seek employment help if you are an older worker is to contact the Senior Community Service Employment Program. This state program tries to place those 55 and older in part-time community service as a way to get them into the workforce.

The state’s Employment Security Commission focuses on such areas as finding job openings, estimating benefits, unemployment insurance, veterans’ employment, and “re-employment services and benefits.” This last category oversees such programs as the Workforce Investment Act, a federally funded program that provides services such as employment and training activities for adults and dislocated workers. The Employment Security Commission also administers Trade Adjustment Assistance, for those who may have been displaced or disadvantaged by foreign imports or free trade agreements.

2 Comments >> Posted in Discrimination,Employment Laws,Hostile Environment,North Carolina