The EEOC has cooperative relationships with all but a few of them. The EEOC and the FEPAs it works with have reached Worksharing Agreements that divide up their common workload of charges in order to avoid duplication of charge processing. These dual-filed charges are typically investigated by only one agency. This way, employers avoid two investigations of the same matter, but the legal rights of the charging parties are still preserved under both laws. Bring the matter to the attention of both agencies and they should be able to resolve the issue.
Most charges are dual-filed under both state and federal law.
Regardless of which agency is processing the charge, both agencies have to close their respective case files. All that is happening in this instance is that the EEOC has accepted the state agency's resolution and has closed its case. If there is any doubt, ask the EEOC staff person handling the charge. In such cases, the FEPA may continue to investigate the charge. This page was last modified on February 13, 2001.