EEOC Mandates Use of Revised Poster, Effective November 21, 2009

Beginning on November 21, 2009, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is requiring employers to post a revised "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" poster.  The new poster now includes language regarding the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA), which became effective on November 21, 2009, and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), which became effective on January 1 of the same year. Covered employers have three options when it comes to getting copies of the posters:

1. Download, print and post the November 2009 revised version of the full poster at no charge;
2. Download, print and post the new poster supplement alongside the EEOC's September 2002 or the OFCCP's August 2008 poster at no charge; or
3. Order ten or more printed copies of the poster from the EEOC Clearinghouse.

Spanish, Chinese and Arabic versions of the new poster are also available for order from the EEOC Clearinghouse.  Employers that are covered by federal nondiscrimination laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, must display the poster in a conspicuous place on their premises where notices to employees and applicants are typically posted.  Although it is not required by the EEOC, employers should also consider updating their employee handbooks to reflect these changes in the law.  For a concise listing of information and resources on the EEOC, the ADAAA, and GINA, visit the "EEO" section of AGC's Labor and HR Topical Resources page.