Submit Employment Discrimination Claim - Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, employees and job applicants who believe they experienced unlawful employment discrimination can file a complaint with the city agency that enforces local fair‑employment rules. This guide explains where to start, which office enforces workplace discrimination claims in Philadelphia, and the practical steps to submit a charge, pursue mediation, and, if needed, appeal an agency decision. It covers intake, typical actions the Commission may take, and how federal and city options interact so you can choose the best filing route for your situation.
What office handles employment discrimination in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations handles complaints about workplace discrimination and harassment under local ordinances. See the agency pages for contact, intake hours, and basic filing guidance: Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations[1].
How to prepare a complaint
Collect facts, dates, names of decisionmakers, witness names and contact details, relevant documents (offer letters, performance reviews, pay records, emails), and any disciplinary or termination notices. Prepare a concise timeline of events and identify the protected characteristic(s) involved (for example, race, sex, age, disability).
- Gather documents and copies of communications that show discriminatory actions.
- List key dates: hire date, incidents, internal complaints, disciplinary actions.
- Note witnesses and their contact information.
- Check whether your employer has an internal complaint process and keep records of any internal filings.
Filing options and parallel claims
You can file with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and may also have options at the state or federal level. For federal charges and federal deadlines, consult the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance on filing a charge: EEOC: How to File a Charge[2]. The City agency page lists local intake methods and contacts.[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations investigates complaints, may attempt conciliation or mediation, and can issue administrative findings and remedies where authorized. Specific monetary fine amounts for violations under the city ordinance are not specified on the cited city agency page.[1]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: agency remedies, orders to cease discriminatory practices, mandatory reporting or monitoring may apply; specific remedies are described in agency decisions or orders on a case-by-case basis and are not summarized on the cited intake page.[1]
- Enforcer and complaints: Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations handles intake and enforcement; see agency contact page for complaint submission methods and office information.[1]
- Appeals/review: the city page does not list detailed appeal time limits or procedures; consult the Commission for timelines and internal review steps.[1]
- Defenses/discretion: typical defenses (business necessity, legitimate non‑discriminatory reasons) and agency discretion apply; specific statutory defenses and exemptions are outlined in ordinance text or agency rules, which are not detailed on the intake guidance page.[1]
Applications & Forms
The Commission provides intake forms and instructions on its website for filing a complaint. The exact form name or form number and any filing fee are not specified on the general intake page; contact the Commission or use the online intake as directed on the official page.[1]
Action steps
- Step 1: Contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations early to confirm they have jurisdiction and to request the correct intake form and deadline information.[1]
- Step 2: Complete the intake form with dates, witnesses, and supporting documents; submit according to the agency's instructions.[1]
- Step 3: Attend any scheduled intake interview or mediation and respond to agency information requests promptly.
- Step 4: If pursuing federal relief or if the employer is covered by federal law, consider filing with the EEOC as well; check EEOC filing guidance for federal deadlines and coordination.[2]
FAQ
- How do I file an employment discrimination complaint in Philadelphia?
- Contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to request an intake form and instructions, gather evidence, and submit the completed intake as directed by the Commission.[1]
- How long do I have to file?
- Time limits vary by agency and claim; the city intake page does not list a single filing deadline. For federal deadlines and guidance on EEOC filing timeframes, consult the EEOC page linked above.[1][2]
- Can I file with the city and the EEOC?
- Yes. You may file with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and also file a federal charge if applicable; confirm deadlines and coordination with each agency when you file.[1][2]
How-To
- Document the discriminatory acts, dates, witnesses, and collect supporting documents.
- Contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations for intake instructions and the correct form.[1]
- Complete and submit the intake form per the Commission's directions; include copies of evidence.
- Participate in the agency intake interview; consider mediation if offered.
- If unsatisfied with the outcome, ask the Commission about appeal or judicial review options and relevant time limits.
Key Takeaways
- Start with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to file city claims.
- Confirm filing deadlines with each agency you contact; deadlines differ by forum.
- Keep organized records and copies of all submissions and communications.
Help and Support / Resources
- Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations - Contact & Intake
- EEOC - Philadelphia Field Office
- City of Philadelphia - Official Portal