The United States has gone far in protecting its domestic labor force and employees of its offshore companies. The U.S. is one of the very few countries where workers’ rights are fully recognized, upheld, and protected.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) law stipulates that an employee who experiences discrimination can seek solutions such as back pay, restoration of their old job if they were fired or reassigned, a court order to stop the discrimination, and compensation for pain and suffering. Also, employers found guilty of workplace discrimination can face up to $300,000 in punitive damages.
In addition, if the company has not offered equal employment opportunities in the past, the law can require the company to take special corrective measures. These may include ‘affirmative employment’ initiatives that give members of persecuted groups special access to the same opportunities that other employees traditionally enjoyed.
Federal law includes a statute of limitations for employment discrimination claims. In most cases, employees must file discrimination complaints within 180 days of the alleged incident. After that time, they probably cannot pursue legal action. Sexual discrimination claims are a special case. Employees must file sexual discrimination claims within 90 days after they receive a ‘Right to Sue’ letter from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission which certifies their right to file a sexual discrimination claim.
Via EEOC (Discriminatory Practices)/EEOC (Federal EEO Laws)
