File an Employment Discrimination Complaint - Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, employees who believe they experienced unlawful employment discrimination can file a complaint with the city’s enforcement office and with state or federal agencies. This guide explains where to start, what evidence to collect, how to submit a complaint to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and parallel state and federal options, and the typical administrative steps after filing. Use the links below to reach official complaint pages and forms, and follow the action steps to preserve deadlines and evidence.
Where to File
Primary local enforcement is the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR). For state and federal protections you may also contact the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Review each agency’s intake criteria to decide where to file first and whether to file simultaneously. Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations[1] provides local filing information. See the state and federal filing pages for parallel remedies: Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission[2] and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission[3].
How to Prepare Your Complaint
- Gather documents: job descriptions, offer letters, performance reviews, emails, texts, and witness names.
- Note dates: record when each alleged discriminatory action occurred and any internal complaints you made.
- Identify legal bases: discrimination may be based on race, sex, disability, religion, age, national origin, pregnancy, or other protected classes.
- Complete intake forms: use the PCHR intake or complaint form and any state or federal charge forms you plan to file.
Penalties & Enforcement
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations enforces local fair practices; exact monetary fines and statutory penalty amounts are not specified on the cited PCHR page. Enforcement can include administrative orders, injunctive relief, and remedies ordered through administrative proceedings or court actions depending on the case and agency. For specific statutory fines, penalties, or formulae, consult the controlling ordinance or the agency guidance directly.
- Typical remedies (subject to agency authority and case facts): reinstatement, back pay, injunctive relief, and equitable remedies — specific amounts or fines are not specified on the cited page.
- Enforcer: Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations is the primary local enforcer; contact details and filing instructions appear on the PCHR page.[1]
- Inspection/complaint pathway: file an intake or charge through PCHR; the agency screens complaints and may investigate or attempt conciliation.
- Fines and civil penalties: not specified on the cited PCHR page.
Applications & Forms
The PCHR publishes complaint intake information and forms on its website; if a specific downloadable complaint form or form number is needed, consult the PCHR filing page for the current form and submission instructions.[1] If no local form is required, agencies typically accept written complaints that include your contact information, employer details, the alleged discriminatory acts, and the dates involved.
Typical Process After Filing
- Intake & screening: the agency confirms jurisdiction and timeliness.
- Investigation: the agency may request documents, interview witnesses, and seek voluntary conciliation.
- Hearing or administrative decision: unresolved matters may proceed to administrative hearing or be referred to court depending on statute and remedies sought.
- Damages & relief: monetary awards or orders vary by case and statutory authority; specific award levels are not specified on the cited pages.
Action Steps
- Step 1: Gather evidence and document dates and witnesses.
- Step 2: Visit the PCHR website to download or request the intake form.[1]
- Step 3: Submit the complaint to PCHR (follow the agency’s submission instructions) and consider simultaneous filing with the PHRC or EEOC if applicable.[2]
- Step 4: Preserve copies of all filings and respond promptly to agency requests.
FAQ
- Who enforces employment discrimination laws in Philadelphia?
- The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations enforces local ordinances; the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the EEOC enforce state and federal laws respectively.
- How long do I have to file a complaint?
- Specific filing deadlines are not specified on the cited PCHR page; check the PCHR, PHRC, and EEOC pages for applicable time limits and tolling rules.[1]
- Can I file with more than one agency?
- Yes. You may have parallel filings with local, state, and federal agencies but review each agency’s rules about dual filing and timeliness.
How-To
- Collect evidence: assemble emails, messages, performance records, and witness names.
- Complete the intake/complaint form available from PCHR and/or PHRC; attach supporting documents.
- Submit the complaint following the PCHR instructions on the agency page and retain proof of submission.[1]
- Cooperate with investigation requests and consider legal counsel if remedies or litigation are likely.
- If conciliation fails, prepare for administrative hearing or civil action as advised by the enforcing agency.
Key Takeaways
- Start early: preserve evidence and note dates.
- Contact PCHR for local filing rules and intake procedures.[1]
- Consider parallel filings with PHRC or EEOC when appropriate.[2]
Help and Support / Resources
- Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations - official site
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission - official site
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - how to file