EEOC vs. FCHR: What’s the Difference? Find Out All About These Two Important Agencies and Where You Can Go if You Are Being Sexually Harassed at Work in Tampa
If you are experiencing sexual harassment at work in Tampa, there is no question that it can be confusing to know where to turn for help. Many employees have heard of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR), but they may not understand the difference between the two agencies, or how these two agencies can make a difference in combatting workplace sexual harassment. The truth of the matter is that both agencies play an important role in protecting workers in Tampa from discrimination and harassment in the workplace, and knowing how each one works can help you take the right steps to protect your rights and hold your employer accountable under the law.
The Ins-and-Outs of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, is the federal agency responsible for enforcing national anti-discrimination laws, including in the State of Florida. According to the EEOC, it is “responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee” because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The EEOC also investigates claims of sexual harassment, which falls under the category of sex discrimination. Most employees in Tampa are covered by federal law if their employer has fifteen or more employees. Before filing a lawsuit under federal law, employees generally must file a “charge of discrimination” with the EEOC, and exhaust their administrative remedies.
All About the Florida Commission on Human Rights
The Florida Commission on Human Relations, or FCHR, on the other hand, is the state agency that enforces Florida’s anti-discrimination laws. Under the Florida Civil Rights Act, it is unlawful for employers with fifteen or more employees to discriminate or allow harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status. Like the EEOC, the FCHR accepts complaints from employees who believe they have been harassed or discriminated against at work. Employees in Tampa can choose to file a complaint with the FCHR, and in many cases, a charge filed with one agency is automatically shared with the other under what is known as a “work-sharing agreement.” This means you do not have to file with both agencies separately.
Getting Legal Help with Your Sexual Harassment Case in Tampa
In addition to getting acquainted with the basics of each agency, Tampa sexual harassment victims should know that they only have a short window of time to file a complaint for compensation, or their claim may be barred. This is why it is important to speak with a Tampa sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible about your case. An experienced Tampa sexual harassment lawyer can walk you through the process, file your charge of discrimination with the proper agency, and can fight for you to get compensation due under Florida and federal laws. If you are in the Tampa area and you need legal help, contact the experienced Tampa sexual harassment lawyers at the law firm Florin Gray. Contact Florin Gray today and speak with a lawyer now.
