Jointly-Authored Document Explains Employment Rights and Where to Get Help

WASHINGTON- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today released a resource document, “Protections Against Employment Discrimination for Service Members and Veterans,” describing federal protections from unlawful employment discrimination against service members and veterans.

The document, jointly-authored by the EEOC, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, details federal laws and other authorities that provide workplace protections specific to service members and veterans. For the first time, it provides a single publication to help veterans and service members determine which laws and federal agencies are responsible for enforcing their workplace rights and where to seek assistance if they believe those rights have been violated.

“Our military members sacrifice immensely to keep our country safe, and whether they are actively serving, reservists, or veterans, we must ensure they know their workplace rights and how to enforce them if they experience discrimination.” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “This document clearly explains that they are protected from discrimination because of their military service, veterans status, disability or other reasons, such as their race, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity), age, or genetic information.”

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “We owe our servicemembers, veterans, and their families a deep debt of gratitude for their service to our country. Through rigorous enforcement of federal civil rights laws, the Justice Department is working hard to ensure that the rights of our brave servicemembers and veterans are safeguarded from discrimination and unfair treatment.”

OFCCP Director Jenny Yang added, “OFCCP is pleased to release this important resource on employment discrimination protections for service members and veterans with VETS - at the Department of Labor -- and our sister federal civil rights agencies. As the federal government makes historic investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology, OFCCP is playing a central role in ensuring that the nation is utilizing the full talents of all workers, including our nation’s protected veterans.”

Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service James D. Rodriguez stated, “We must continue to defend our nation's heroes against discrimination in the workplace. Anyone’s commitment to our military should not be a barrier for success in the civilian workforce. We are proud to partner with our fellow federal agencies to protect servicemembers and veterans in the workforce.”

In addition to providing information about laws that specifically protect service members and veterans, the document explains general protections from retaliation, disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and other covered bases.

Additional EEOC resources for veterans are available here.

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information about the laws the EEOC enforces and how to file a charge of discrimination is available at www.eeoc.gov.