Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience.
Q:
I filed an EEO complaint on my supervisor on the basis of age discrimination and harassment. It has now gone to the formal complaint process – I am currently waiting to be assigned an EEO counselor.
Last week, I filed an EEO retaliation complaint with my agency but have continued to experience harassment and a hostile work environment. I am being told by the agency EEO counselor that this is not reprisal and that it is continued harassment and should be handled as an amendment to the original EEO complaint. She said that it is quicker to do it this way and saves everyone’s time.
Is the agency EEO counselor giving me the run around to save time and money on behalf of the agency or is this the way I should pursue the case? I feel that their actions were intentional and demeaning.
A:
EEO counselors are not supposed to give substantive advice on the use of the EEO process or the claims made. You should not be dissuaded from pursuing the claims you believe should be made.
Bill Bransford is managing partner of Shaw Bransford & Roth PC.
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