Yesterday, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a new poster entitled “Know Your Rights,” which replaces a previous “EEO is the Law” poster. The new poster is accessible here. Under federal anti-discrimination laws, covered employers (meaning those with fifteen or more employees) are required to display this poster prominently at work sites. The poster summarizes these anti-discrimination laws and explains employees’ right to file a charge if they believe they have experienced discrimination.

According to the EEOC, the new poster has changes that include:

• Use of straightforward language and updated formatting;
• Clarification that harassment is a prohibited form of discrimination, and sex discrimination includes discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity;
• The addition of a QR code to access the EEOC’s “how to file a charge” webpage; and
• Provision of information about equal pay discrimination for federal contractors.

Covered employers are required to post this notice in “a conspicuous location in the workplace where notices to applicants and employees are customarily posted.” The EEOC also encourages covered employers to post the notice digitally on their websites in a conspicuous location. Covered employers who do not comply with these posting requirements may be subject to fines, and failure to post the notice may also impact the defense of some EEOC claims.

While there is no set date mandating poster replacement, employers are encouraged to upgrade their postings as soon as possible. Employers who have questions regarding the contents of the poster or the EEOC’s posting requirements are encouraged to contact Hinckley Allen’s experienced labor and employment professionals.