Answers To Questions From Federal Employees

Federal employment law is an often confusing combination of several statutes, court decisions and administrative rules. Here is a sampling of the questions my clients ask me at initial consultations:

What Sort Of Behavior Can Create A Toxic Work Environment?

There is no hard and fast rule: The idea is that the behavior makes it impossible for you to do your job effectively. Examples can include repeated unwanted sexual advances or touching; sexually suggestive comments on your appearance; and displaying explicit photographs or cartoons.

How Do I File A Complaint Against My Employer?

There is a specific process you must follow before you can file a lawsuit. For most claims, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires you to begin with a charge of discrimination. You file your complaint with the EEOC, after which an EEO counselor interviews you and begins an investigation.

You have the right to an attorney’s advice at this stage. Keep in mind that if you are a federal employee, you have only 45 days from the date of the violation to file. Because time is of the essence, you should consult with an attorney as soon as you can to avoid giving up your rights.

What If I Am Fired For Filing A Complaint Against My Employer?

You have legal protection against being fired or punished for reporting discrimination, sexual harassment or other violations. Doing so is called retaliation, and it is a tactic some employers use to try to intimidate workers out of asserting their rights. You can recover substantial damages for retaliation on top of your original complaint.

Learn More About Workers’ Rights In Colorado

To learn more about filing a claim, contact McConnell Law & Mediation P.C., in Colorado Springs at 720-759-3008 or by email. I, Wes McConnell, provide confidential initial consultations to answer all your questions.