Effective April 18, 2014, the fine for failing to post notices required under certain federal laws will increase from $110 to $210 per violation. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) made the announcement in the March 19, 2014 Federal Register.
The laws covered by the new fine amount are:
- the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII),
- the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and
- the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA).
These laws prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information. Every employer covered by Title VII, ADA, or GINA must post the EEOC’s “EEO is the Law” notice describing these laws. Covered employers generally include private employers, state and local governments and educational institutions employing 15 or more individuals, in addition to federal contractors and subcontractors. The “EEO is the Law” notice must be posted in prominent and accessible places where notices to employees and applicants are customarily maintained.
Currently, the EEOC and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) are working together on a “EEO is the Law” poster update so that it reflects new rules effective March 24, 2014, related to improving the employment of veterans and people with disabilities. We don’t know just when the update will be published, but we will be the first to let you know.