November 14, 2022
On October 19, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released an updated “Know Your Rights” poster that informs employees of their rights to be free from unlawful workplace harassment and discrimination under federal law.
The poster summarizes federal laws and explains that employees, union members or applicants can file a charge with the EEOC if they suspect they have experienced discrimination.
The new poster is available in English and Spanish. The “Know Your Rights” version makes several updates to the older poster, including:
- Using straightforward language and formatting.
- Noting that harassment is a prohibited form of discrimination.
- Clarifying that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Providing information about equal pay discrimination for federal contractors.
It also includes a QR code that enables workers to use their smartphones or other compatible digital devices to quickly access the EEOC website on how to file a charge.
According to the EEOC, the poster “should be placed in a conspicuous location in the workplace where notices to applicants and employees are customarily posted.” The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that such notices be made available in a location that is accessible to applicants and employees with disabilities who have limited mobility.
Covered employers should also consider posting a digital notice on their websites to supplement the physical poster and inform remote or hybrid workers of their rights. The digital version is free to download on the EEOC’s website.
If you have questions regarding this or any other matter, please contact Dean Leazenby at Warrick & Boyn, LLP.