Summarize:Your Equal Opportunity Rights as an Employee The laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") provide five basic rights for job applicants and employees who work in the United States. The laws apply to applicants, employees and former employees, regardless of their citizenship or work authorization status. Full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees are protected if they work for a covered employer. All federal government agencies and most other employers with at least 15 employees are covered by our laws (20 for age discrimination). Most unions and employment agencies also are covered. If you work for one of these employers, you have the right to: - 11 - Work Free of Discrimination You have a right to work free of discrimination. This means that your employer cannot make job decisions because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, or age (age 40 or older). This right applies to all types of job decisions, including hiring, firing, promotions, training, wages and benefits. Work Free of Harassment You have a right to work in an environment free of harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, or age (age 40 or older). Complain About Job Discrimination Without Punishment You have a right to complain about treatment that you believe is illegal job discrimination. Your employer cannot punish you, treat you differently or harass you if