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Complaint Processing

Policy: It is the policy of the CNREURAFSWA to provide equal employment opportunity for all of its employees and applicants for employment in every aspect of their employment and working conditions. Important aspects of an effective equal employment opportunity program are a vigorous affirmative action program and a discrimination processing system which facilitates the early informal resolution of complaints raised. This table provides specific information on how the administrative EEO process works. Complaints of discrimination may be filed by any Navy employee or applicant who believes he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of: race, color, religion, gender (including gender-based discrimination such as pregnancy, gender identity, and gender stereotyping), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. 

Individual Discrimination Complaint Process Diagram

Pre-Complaint Process:

  1. Filing: Complainant (employee or applicant) must contact an EEO Counselor within 45 calendar days of an alleged discriminatory action.
    CNEURAFSWA EEO OFFICE
    DSN: 314-626-5755/5522
    COMM: 081-568-5575/5522
  2. Counseling: The EEO Counselor will try to resolve the matter informally within 30 calendar days from the date of the initial interview with the Complainant. Counseling may be extended up to 60 additional days, upon agreement of complainant and EEO Office, or if an established Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure is utilized.


Formal Complaint Process:

  1. Filing: Complainant may file a written formal complaint with the EEO Office, servicing EEO Office or Agency Head, within 15 calendar days after the final interview with the EEO counselor.
  2. Acceptance/Dismissal: If the complaint is accepted by the EEO Officer, an investigator will be assigned to collect all relevant information pertaining to the complaint. If portions of the complaint are dismissed, the complainant will be provided, in writing, the reason(s) for dismissal and informed of his/her right to appeal the decision.
  3. Investigation: The IRD (Investigations Resolutions Division - EEO Investigations and Resolutions) is required to complete the investigation within 180 days from the filing of the formal complaint, with a possible extension of 90 additional days, upon mutual agreement. After the investigation, complainant may request a Final Navy Decision or a hearing by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Complainant may also request a hearing after 180 days has elapsed from the filing of the complaint, if the investigation has not been completed).
  4. Final Navy Decision: If complainant requests a Final Navy Decision, DON will issue the Department's decision on the complaint. The decision, based on information in the investigative file, is issued within 60 days.
  5. EEOC Hearing: If complainant requests a hearing by EEOC, an EEOC Administrative Judge (AJ) conducts a hearing and submits his/her findings and conclusions within 180 days of the request. If the agency does not issue a final order within 40 days of receipt of the AJ's decision, the AJ's decision shall become the final action of the agency.
  6. Appeals: Complainant, if dissatisfied with the Final Navy Decision, may appeal to EEOC's Office of Federal Operations (OFO) or file a civil action in a U.S. District Court.
  7. Right to File a Civil Action: Complainant, if dissatisfied with OFO's decision, may request reopening and reconsideration by EEOC or may file a civil action in a U.S. District Court. Complainants who raise a claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act may bypass the administrative process by filing a notice of intent to sue with EEOC at least 30 days before filing a civil action in court.
  8. EEO Process vs. Union Process: Employees covered by bargaining agreements may use the union grievance procedures or the EEO complaint process but not both.
  9. Class Complaints: The EEO Office will provide counseling in "class" complaints. The EEO Officer will designate a counselor for "class" complaints as in the informal process. Formal Class Complaints will be processed by the agency's headquarters EEO Office.


Additional Information: Additional information pertaining to the EEO complaint process may be obtained from the: CNREURAFSWA Equal Employment Opportunity Office, PSC 817, Box 108, FPO AE 09622-0108 DSN:  314-626-5755/5522 OR COMM: 081-568-5522/5755