I have both filed and have won a EEOC lawsuit against one of the big banks for discrimination. Never go to HR first. HR will feign an investigation, but they are really looking to see what risk exists to the company based on your complaint. Also, you have no EEOC protection from retaliation. Your complaint must be based on something that it covered such as gender, disability, age by the anti- discrimination laws. Go to the EEOC website for that information. If they fire you for filing the claim, you have a retaliation lawsuit Even if the original investigation didn’t support your claim. If they lay you off, you can also sue for retaliation. HR wants you to come to them. Do not do it! File with the EEOC first.
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Complaints to HR are generally all responded to and handled in a certain fashion, but the overwhelming majority of them end up being rejected. Hard to say how many are legit, but on its face there does seem to be a disconnect between well publicized efforts supporting diversity and telling people to be "color brave" and what actually happens when employees report discrimination.
There were 3 white managers in Application Tower, Tampa Bldg1 Hub, That regularly made derogatory funny comments of minorities in open sessions.
These comments were recorded and taken to the EEOC. They could not take such recording agains the Bank, why us that?
HR exists to help protect the company, not you. When it comes to picking between an employee and a manager, they'll almost always side with the manager. Also, your communication is not private with HR, nothing is. I learned that they hard way: One time I talked to HR about my manager's behavior, and the next day I got called into manager's office for a discussion. So yes, learn from me, if you really think you have a case, document everything then hire a lawyer or contact the EEOC; NEVER go to HR thinking they will help YOU.
I did and they settled wirh EEOC, the Manager that fired ME Was promoted.
My lawyer firved tvem to $$$$$ettle. good outcome overall!
It's true. Never trust your HR if you have a complaint. They will make you feel like they are on your side and maybe they are at a personal level. However, the final decision rests with upper management. Don't even complain to your recruiter if you have a problem with the company you are contracting with. They will listen to you like they are your friends but you will be fired or ousted immediately. As long as those people are getting paid by the company you are complaining against, you will NEVER win by going internally with your complaints.