Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is the Law

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is an equal opportunity employer and provider of programs and services.

Non-Discrimination Statement

It is against the law for any recipient of federal financial assistance to discriminate on the following bases:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex, including:
    • Pregnancy
    • Childbirth and related medical conditions
    • Gender identity
    • Transgender status
    • Sexual orientation
  • National origin, including limited English proficiency
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Political affiliation or belief

In addition, the following protections apply to programs and activities financially assisted under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA):

  • Citizenship or immigration status
  • Participation in any WIOA Title I–funded program or activity

VEC Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The VEC does not discriminate against any individual based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation)
  • National origin
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Political affiliation or belief
  • Citizenship or immigration status
  • Participation in any VEC or WIOA-funded program

How to File a Discrimination Complaint

If you believe you have experienced discrimination by the VEC or one of its representatives, you have the right to file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged violation.

Please note: VEC does not investigate claims of discrimination, harassment, or other workplace complaints against employers. Our office can only address issues related to services provided by the VEC. If your concern involves a former or current employer, we recommend contacting that employer’s Human Resources department or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You can find information about filing a complaint with the EEOC at: www.eeoc.gov.

You may file your complaint by email at: EO_Complaints@vec.virginia.gov or by mail to: 

Virginia Employment Commission
C/O EO Complaints Division
P.O. Box 26441
Richmond, VA  23261-6441  

Or you may file your complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Civil Right Center by mail to:

Director
Civil Rights Center
ATTENTION: Office of External Enforcement
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave NW
Room N-4123
Washington, DC 20210
Or fax: 202-693-6505, ATTENTION: Office of External Enforcement (limit of 15 pages)

Important Deadlines

  • If you file with the VEC, you must wait for a written decision or 90 calendar days—whichever comes first—before filing with the CRC.
  • If you do not receive a decision within 90 days, you may file with the CRC within 30 days after the 90-day deadline.
  • If you receive a decision from the VEC and are dissatisfied, you must file with the CRC within 30 days of receiving the decision.

For complaints involving unpaid wages or payment issues unrelated to unemployment insurance benefits, please contact the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Labor & Employment Law Division  online or by phone at: (804) 371-2327. For issues involving overtime pay, minimum wage or federal wage laws, contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.