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California's housing and job discrimination complaint process just got longer
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California's housing and job discrimination complaint process just got longer
Just in time for Labor Day, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing is slowing down the online process for filing job discrimination complaints - with the goal of improving the quality and consistency of its caseload.
Since 2012, when a streamlined, computerized complaint process was introduced, it has been possible to file a complaint directly online. But starting Sept. 1, those with complaints about unfair treatment due to age, race, gender, disability or other protected status will be asked to first share details of their situation with a human screener, according to Phyllis Cheng, director of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
It used to take a couple of months of interviews and mailing of documents back and forth before an employment discrimination complaint could be formally filed under California's old paper-based system, Cheng said. The new computer system allowed workers to access forms directly online and file a complaint within minutes. It sped up the process, but skipped a step where fair employment investigators routinely screened complaints.
The quicker system meant too many flawed complaints were being filed, Cheng said. "There was a lot of variability, even though we had drop down menus and guidance," she said of the online system. "Some people put in a lot of information, maybe too much, and other people didn't put in enough information."
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So officials decided to add a step called a pre-complaint inquiry. As of Monday, those using the online system will be screened by an investigator, who can help define each case before it's filed.
It may take more time, but Cheng says complaints will be less likely to be dismissed.
The department gets about 20,000 employment and housing complaints each year, most of them related to workplace discrimination.
Workers who already have a lawyer and want to sue an employer, first must exhaust their legal remedies by filing a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. According to Cheng, they can still file a complaint directly, bypassing an investigator interview. They will receive a "right to sue" letter, permitting them to move forward. All others will need to go through the pre-complaint inquiry process, Cheng said.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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