- United States
- Calif.
- Letter
Congress must take immediate action to ensure the workplace harassment handbook is reinstated. Removing this critical resource strips workers of the clarity they need to understand their rights and discourages them from filing complaints when they experience discrimination or harassment.
The laws protecting workers from harassment have not changed, but one of the main tools for explaining and enforcing them has been eliminated. This creates a dangerous gap between protections that exist on paper and the practical ability of workers to access them. Without clear guidance, employees particularly women and LGBTQ+ workers who face disproportionate rates of workplace harassment are left vulnerable and uncertain about how to report violations or seek recourse.
The removal of this handbook sends a troubling signal that the agency responsible for enforcing workplace protections is stepping back from its mandate. Congress needs to investigate why this was done.
Workplace harassment has measurable economic consequences beyond the human toll. It drives talented employees out of jobs, reduces productivity, and creates hostile environments that harm businesses and workers alike. Clear enforcement guidelines benefit everyone by establishing expectations and accountability.
I urge you to advocate for the immediate reinstatement of the workplace harassment handbook and to ensure that federal agencies maintain robust tools for educating workers about their rights. Congress must also provide more oversight to be certain that the EEOC continues to work diligently to protect workers rights.