Question

Key contributors to a recently completed project received bonuses. A male employee received $4,000. A female employee in another state received $10,000. The male employee files a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC does not find reasonable cause for the complaint. What may happen next?

The EEOC will impose mandatory mediation.
There is no further avenue for action for the complainant.
The male employee may file a lawsuit against the employer.
The employer must promptly pay $6,000 plus fees to the male employee.

Answer 1

The male employee may choose to file a lawsuit against the employer for alleged pay discrimination after the EEOC has dismissed the complaint and provided a Notice of Right to Sue.

Step-by-step explanation:

After the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) does not find reasonable cause for the complaint of discrimination, the male employee may decide to pursue further legal options. Specifically, if the EEOC dismisses a charge, it will issue the complainant a letter known as a Notice of Right to Sue. This gives the complainant the right to file a lawsuit in federal or state court. In this scenario, the male employee has the option to file a lawsuit against the employer for the alleged pay discrimination. The other options listed such as mandatory mediation, no further avenue for action, or the employer being required to pay the difference are incorrect interpretations of the EEOC's process and possible outcomes.