Various state and federal government agencies help investigate and remedy workplace discrimination and wage and labor law violations. Although employees may pursue certain remedies through these agencies on their own without legal representation, it is advisable to seek the advice of an attorney before doing so to ensure that all procedural requirements are met and the claims are made properly.

The following information and website links can help you explore your rights and remedies (please also refer to the the FAQ page and the Labor and Employment Law page for additional helpful information):

Workplace Discrimination

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has the authority to investigate complaints of discrimination in the workplace and pursue dispute resolution/conciliation. In certain cases, the DFEH may also prosecute complaints in court on behalf of aggrieved employees. Please click the above link to access the DFEH’s website, which contains information on how to request an investigation and links to online forms necessary to begin the complaint process.

U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC)

The U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) is the federal equivalent of the DFEH and also has the authority to investigate employee complaints of discrimination in the workplace and pursue dispute resolution/conciliation. The EEOC may also prosecute complaints in court on behalf of aggrieved employees. Please click the above link to access the EEOC’s website, which contains contact information for the nearest EEOC office, information on how to file a charge of discrimination, and other helpful information.

Wage and Labor Law Violations

California Labor Commissioner’s Office, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office, Division of Labor Standard’s Enforcement (DLSE), has the authority to investigate and adjudicate state wage and labor law violation claims. Please click the above link to access the DLSE’s website, which contains information on how to report a labor law violation.

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is responsible for administering and enforcing federal wage and hour laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which establishes minimum wage and overtime laws. Please click the above link to access the WHD’s website, which contains information on how to file a complaint with the WHD.