District of Columbia government employees and applicants enjoy job protections from unfair or discriminatory personnel decisions. If you feel that you are facing a wrongful employment practice, you might be able to file with the D.C. Office of Employee Appeals (OEA), a discrimination claim with the EEOC or the DC Office of Human Rights, or, in some cases, a union grievance.
Office of Employee Appeals
The D.C. Office of Employee Appeals (OEA) is an independent agency of the District government charged with ensuring that District agencies follow the law when they discipline their employees. OEA will hear employee appeals of adverse employment actions, Read more »
D.C. Employees Discrimination Complaints
If you are a District employee or applicant and you wish to file a complaint alleging discrimination or a complaint concerning reprisal for engaging in protected EEO activity, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or with a certified D.C. Equal Employment Opportunity counselor (followed by a formal complaint filed with the D.C. Office of Human Rights). Read more »
Union Grievance Processes
If you are a District employee, and if you are covered by a union contract, you may have the option of filing a grievance which could result in an arbitration hearing. Depending on what your union’s contract allows, you might be able to file a grievance concerning unfair personnel decisions like demotions and terminations, discrimination, or whistleblowing reprisal. The first step is to talk with your union representative and to read your agreement.
We are experienced labor attorneys and can help you understand the risks and benefits of pursuing your claims through your union agreement as opposed to the other options that may be available to you. To learn more about how we might be able to help you with your union grievance, call us.
D.C. Government Whistleblowing Rights
The DC whistleblower protections apply to all District government agencies, including independent agencies, DC Public Schools, the University of D.C. Board of Trustees and the DC Housing Authority. Read more »
