Which federal agency is primarily responsible for overseeing employment discrimination matters?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency primarily responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The EEOC investigates discrimination complaints, mediates disputes, and has the authority to file lawsuits to protect the rights of individuals in the workforce.

This agency plays a crucial role in promoting fair employment practices and ensuring that individuals have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination. The establishment of the EEOC under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 marked a significant advancement in labor law, providing a structured process for addressing grievances related to employment discrimination.

Other agencies mentioned, such as the National Labor Relations Board, focus more on union and collective bargaining issues, while the Federal Trade Commission deals primarily with consumer protection and antitrust laws. The Department of Health and Human Services is involved in issues related to public health and welfare rather than employment discrimination. Thus, the EEOC's specific mandate aligns directly with overseeing and addressing employment discrimination matters.