EEO Complaint Procedure and Form - ripta

Step I: The Opportunity to File a ComplaintAll complaints must be in writing. The individual, specific class of individuals, or authorizedrepresentative, hereafter referred to as complainant, who believes he or she has been discriminated againstmust submit the allegations in writing to the RIPTA EEO Officer. The EEO Officer will, within 7 days ofreceipt of complaint, send an acknowledgement letter to the complainant and advise him/her of their rightto be represented in the complaint process.Step II: The Opportunity for an Informal Resolution ConferenceRIPTA has the specific responsibility of investigating employee and applicant complaints ofdiscrimination, including complaints of sexual harassment. RIPTA EEO Counselors are available forinformal consultation should an employee and/or manager desire information regarding a discriminationor harassment concern. The EEO Counselor will meet with a complainant to review the allegations,clarify issues, and obtain names of witnesses, if applicable. Some complaints may be resolved throughdiscussions with appropriate RIPTA personnel. If the EEO Counselor determines that there are no issuesof discrimination or harassment based on protected class, staff will inform the complainant. EEOCounselors may refer the complainant to other appropriate individuals, including Human Resources,department management, union representatives, and the EEO Officer.The EEO Officer may meet with the complainant or his/her authorized representative to conduct apreliminary investigation and to discuss the circumstances underlying the allegations, and attempt toinformally resolve the issue(s). If the complaint cannot be resolved informally, the EEO Officer willwithin 30 days of receipt of the complaint advise the complainant.Step III: Formal InvestigationIn the event EEO Counselors determine that a formal investigation is warranted, staff shall conduct a full,prompt, and thorough investigation of the allegations. Such investigation may include interviews with allparties named by the complainant and the respondent, as well as an analysis of relevant materials andrecords. Upon completion of the investigation, the EEO Program staff shall present a writtendetermination/finding to the complainant. This determination/finding may include a recommendation forcorrective action. The investigation and response will be completed within 45 days.Formal complaints must be submitted to:Mark TherrienRIPTAEEO Program705 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02907