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Workplace Law Complaints

Individuals can submit complaints to OESC for a current, former or potential employer who they believe has violated workplace laws. Complaints may include any range of topics, such as pay, leave, health and safety, living standards, agricultural labor rights violations, discrimination and retaliation. Once a complaint is received by OESC, staff will document the issue and refer to the appropriate enforcement agency.

Types of Issues

Wage Issues

  • Unpaid wages, including overtime, commissions, and bonuses
  • Wages paid by checks issued with insufficient funds
  • Final paychecks not received
  • Unused vacation hours that were not paid upon termination of the employment relationship, e.g., a quit, discharge, or layoff.
  • Unauthorized deductions from paychecks

Non-wage Issues

  • Retaliation and termination
  • Rest breaks and meal periods
  • Child labor
  • Uniforms
  • Discrimination
  • Health and safety
  • Suspected human trafficking

Enforcement Authorities

Below are just a few of the enforcement authorities you may be referred to if OESC is unable to resolve your complaint locally.

Oklahoma Attorney General - Civil Rights Enforcement
Enforce laws prohibiting employment discrimination. 

Oklahoma Department of Labor
Regulates wage and hour laws as well as laws around licensing, child labor and more.

Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission
Responsible for adjudicating workmen's compensation claims.

Office of Disability Concerns
Furthers opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
Investigates criminal offenses related to human trafficking and money laundering

U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division
Establishes fair labor standards for federal minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, wage garnishment, child labor and government contract standards. 

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Enforces health and safety regulations to provide safe and healthy work for employees. 

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Conducts secret-ballot elections to determine whether employees want union representation and investigate and remedy unfair labor practices by employers and unions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Investigates complaints of employment discrimination where an individual believes there has been discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin and age in private industry, state, and local government. 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Administers the nation’s immigration system, and adjudicates requests for immigration benefits.

Submitting a Complaint

You can file a complaint even if you no longer work for the employer you are filing a complaint against. Once received, OESC will begin investigating your complaint and an agent will reach out to you for further information. Please be aware that submitting the complaint is only the first step in the process, and failure to respond to OESC will result in your complaint being dismissed.

File Complaint

Complete our online form to get started.

Complete Form

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*It is against the law for a business to fire or retaliate against an employee who exercises a protected right, files or intends to file a complaint, or who has discussed potential violations of their rights.

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