Overview
Who May File a Complaint
Any person who believes that either he or she, or any specific class of individuals has been or is being subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference and marital status. Complaints filed by the complainant or his/her authorized representative must be filed in writing. It must contain the complainants and respondents name and address, date of occurrence, a description of the allegations with enough detail to establish whether or not the allegations would violate any of the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws and regulations. It must also contain the complainant or his/her authorized representative’s signature.
Information the Complaint Must Contain
All complaints must be in writing, and must contain the following:
- The complainant’s name and address or another means of contact.
- The identity of the respondent, including the individual(s) that the Complainant alleges is responsible for the discrimination.
- A description of the allegations in sufficient detail to determine whether Or not the complaint is within the jurisdiction of the County, whether or not the complaint was timely files, has apparent merit, and if true, whether the allegations would violate the non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws and regulations.
- The complainant or his/her authorized representative must sign the complaint.
If it is determined that the County does not have jurisdiction over a complaint, the complainant will be notified of the lack of jurisdiction.
Complaint Process Procedural Steps
Step I - The Opportunity to File a Complaint
All complaints must be in writing. The individual, specific class of individuals, or authorized representative, hereafter referred to as complainant, who believes he or she has been discriminated against, who believes he or she has been discriminated against, must submit the allegations in writing to the Broome County Personnel Officer. The Personnel Officer will, within five (5) days of receipt of complaint, send an acknowledgement letter to the complainant and advise him/her of their right to be represented in the complaint process.
Step II - The Opportunity for an Informal Resolution Conference
The Personnel Officer may meet with the complainant or his/her authorized representative, within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of the written allegations, to conduct a preliminary investigation and to discuss the circumstances underlying the allegations, and attempt to informally resolve the issue(s). If the complaint cannot be resolved informally, the Personnel Officer will within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the complaint advise the complainant.
Complaint Information Form
Name ________________________________________________________________
Department ____________________________________________________________
What are the most convenient time and place for us to contact you about this complaint?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
To your best recollection on what date(s) did the discrimination take place?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Have you ever attempted to resolve this complaint? Yes [ ] No [ ]
Explain as briefly and clearly as possible what happened and how you were discriminated against. Indicate who was involved. Be sure to include how other persons were treated differently from you. Also attach any written material pertaining to your case.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Basic of Complaint: Which of the following best describes why you believe you were discriminated against: (check)
[ ] Race: Specify ______________________________________________________
[ ] Color: Specify ______________________________________________________
[ ] Religion: Specify ____________________________________________________
[ ] National Origin: Specify _______________________________________________
[ ] Sex: [ ] Male [ ] Female
[ ] Age: Specify date of birth ______________________________________________
[ ] Disability ___________________________________________________________
[ ] Citizenship: Specify __________________________________________________
[ ] Reprisal/Retaliation ___________________________________________________
[ ] Other: Specify _______________________________________________________
Do you think the discrimination against you involved: (check one)
[ ] Hiring
[ ] Transition
[ ] Wages
[ ] Job Classification
[ ] Discharge/Termination
[ ] Promotion
[ ] Training
[ ] Transfer
[ ] Qualification/Testing
[ ] Grievance Procedure
[ ] Layoff/Furlough
[ ] Recall (from layoff-furlough)
[ ] Seniority
[ ] Intimidation/Reprisal
[ ] Harassment
[ ] Access/Accommodation
[ ] Union Activity
[ ] Union Representation
[ ] Application
[ ] Enrollment
[ ] Referral
[ ] Exclusion
[ ] Placement
[ ] Benefits
[ ] Performance Appraisal
[ ] Discipline/Reprimand
[ ] Other: Specify ___________________________________________________
Why do you believe these events occurred?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
What other information do you think is relevant to our investigation?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
If this complaint is resolved to your satisfaction, what remedies do you seek?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Please list any persons (witnesses, fellow employees, supervisors, or others) that we may contact for additional information to support or clarify your complaint:
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Telephone number: ______________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Telephone number: ______________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Telephone number: ______________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Telephone number: ______________________________________________________
