EEOC RELEASES UPDATED “KNOW YOUR RIGHTS” POSTER

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EEOC RELEASES UPDATED “KNOW YOUR RIGHTS” POSTER

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) has released an updated poster (“Know Your Rights”) that federal nondiscrimination laws require employers to display.  Covered employers with 15 or more employees must post the new version as soon as possible.

Employers covered by federal nondiscrimination laws are required to post a notice describing these laws in a conspicuous location where notices to applicants and employees are customarily posted.  The agency also encourages employers to post the notice electronically but has stated that electronic posting suffices only where the employer does not have a physical location and where employees work remotely and do not regularly visit the employer’s physical location.  The poster must be accessible to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The EEOC’s new poster summarizes the laws and explains that applicants and employees can file a complaint if they believe they have experienced discrimination.  The poster provides information about discrimination based on:

  •      •Race, color, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin and religion;
  •      •Age (40 and older);
  •      •Equal pay;
  •      •Disability;
  •      •Genetic information (including family medical history or genetic tests or services).

 

The poster also includes information on retaliation for filing a charge, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in a discrimination lawsuit, investigation, or proceeding.  The new version of the poster includes these changes:

  •      •Notes that harassment is a prohibited form of discrimination;
  •      •Clarifies that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity;
  •      •Adds a QR code for fast digital access to the how to file a complaint webpage;
  •      •Provides information about equal pay discrimination for federal contractors; and
  •      •Makes changes to language and formatting.

 

Employers need to be proactive when employment laws change that may affect your company’s policies, procedures, or compliance requirements.  Covered employers are subject to fines by the EEOC for failing to post the “Know Your Rights” poster and could see more severe violations of suspension or termination of contracts, debarment and/or sanctions if they fail to remedy the violation.

So, what is your next step?  Employers should replace any outdated version of the poster with the new version as soon as possible and ensure that the updated poster is displayed in a conspicuous location in the workplace where notices to applicant and employees are customarily posted.  Also, employers should post it on their websites in a clearly visible location.  The poster is available in English and Spanish.  More languages will be added at a later date.

Here at Epps and Coulson, LLP we can help you navigate the best way to address these new updated posters and answer any questions you may have.  You may contact Dawn at: dcoulson@eppscoulson.com

Information contained in this Memo is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.  It is likely considered advertising.  Epps & Coulson, LLP encourages you to call to discuss these matters as they apply to you or your business.

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