What is the primary role of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission?

The primary role of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is to enforce workplace discrimination laws. This includes ensuring that individuals are protected from discrimination in the workplace based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. The EEOC investigates complaints of discrimination, facilitates settlements, and can file lawsuits on behalf of individuals whose rights have been violated. This enforcement of anti-discrimination laws is crucial in maintaining fair treatment in the workplace and promoting equality among employees.

In contrast, overseeing labor unions falls outside the scope of the EEOC's responsibilities, as that task is typically managed by the National Labor Relations Board. The regulation of minimum wage laws is usually handled by the Department of Labor rather than the EEOC. Similarly, job training programs are not a function of the EEOC; various other federal and state entities are responsible for such initiatives. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the EEOC's specific focus on preventing workplace discrimination.