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UFCW Fights Discrimination in the Workplace

Your union is about fighting, with you, to end all forms of discrimination in the workplace.  The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), backed by federal law, and your union backed by your union contract are two powerful tools we can use to fight discrimination.  You can call the EEOC at 1-800-669-4000 to file a compliant.  Use the Local Union Locator to contact your local union representative.

A Union Contract Doesn't See Skin Color
Your union stands against discrimination.  Both federal law and your union contract prohibit racial and ethnic harassment and other forms of discrimination at work.  If you think you have been discriminated against because of your ethnicity, you may have a legal case.  If so, you have a basic period of time of 180 days to file charges with the EEOC, and in some states (those with their own anti-discrimination agencies) you may have an even longer period of time to file a complaint.  Your union may also be able to help you address the problem.  The EEOC's website can help you out get information on racial discrimination as well as on discrimination based on your national origin.
 
Sexual Harassment is Just Plain Wrong
Sexual harassment is when a boss or supervisor makes some aspect of your job subject to submission to his (or her) sexual advances . Also, any unwanted verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, from your boss or a co-worker, can constitute sexual harassment if it creates a hostile work environment. Both males and females can experience sexual harassment, and both are protected by law.

You don’t have to put up with this, even if it’s from a manager. Talk to your union rep and the person your company has appointed to investigate complaints.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s goal is to eliminate illegal discrimination from the workplace for all workers. The EEOC’s website for youth in the workforce, contains helpful info on sexual harassment and discrimination as well as instructions on how to file a complaint.  Find out more about Sexual Harassment in the FAQs.
 
Discrimination Because of Sexual Orientation Just Doesn't Work
Only 11 states and the District of Columbia have laws that ban discrimination in the workplace because  of a person's sexual orientation.  If you feel you are facing harassment or discrimination based on your sexual orientation, contact your union representative.  Everyone is equal under your union contract.  For more support, you can visit Pride at Work in the action center here.  The Human Rights Campaign  Workplace Project maintains a website as a national source of information on workplace policies and laws surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity.  Access the Work Life resource center here. 
 
Starting a Family Doesn't Mean Leaving the Workplace
If you are pregnant, you have legal rights protection you from discrimination at work.  Employers are forbidden from discrimination against a woman because of her pregnancy, child-birth or related medical conditions.  As long as you are able to perform your job, you have a right to remain at work.  In the case of a pregnancy-related absence, your job must be held open for as long as is normal for other workers who are out on sick or disability leave.  If you are temporarily unable to perform tasks on the job because of your pregnancy, your employer must treat you the same as any other worker who is temporarily disabled.  Contact you union and the EEOC if you feel that you have been discriminated against because of a pregnancy.  Find out more about your rights on the job while your pregnant at the EEOC's Pregnancy Resource Center.
 
Come back home, To Your Job
 If you are called into active duty for the military or you enlist, the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Act requires your employer to ensure certain protections of your job.  The Department of Labor has a USERRA advisor you can use to get details on the law as well as file a claim over the internet.  Find out more about how USERRA protects you here. Contact Your union representative to learn more about additional protections that your union contract may provide for you and your job.