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Summary of differences between federal and state regulations
Employer defined
“Employer” means a person, including the state and a political subdivision of the state, who has one or more employees in the state but does not include a club that is exclusively social, or a fraternal, charitable, educational, or religious association or corporation, if the club, association, or corporation is not organized for private profit.
Unlawful employment practices
The unlawful employment practices, as well as the exemptions, are similar to those under the federal Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Sex, with similar descriptions of what constitutes sexual harassment.
Complaints must be filed with the Alaska human rights commission within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act.
In addition, Alaska provides for local human rights commissions. A municipality may, by ordinance or resolution, establish a local human rights commission. Local commissions can be granted powers and duties similar to those exercised by the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights.
Recordkeeping
The state, employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies must maintain records on age, sex, and race that are required to administer the civil rights laws and regulations.
Posting
Employers of 15 or more must post information on sexual harassment in a prominent and accessible location in the work place. This sexual harassment poster is prepared and updated by the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights. A violation is subject to a civil fine of up to $500. The poster:
- sets out the federal definition of sexual harassment;
- advises employees of the name, address, and telephone number of the state and federal agencies to which inquiries and complaints concerning sexual harassment may be made; and
- sets out the deadlines for filing a complaint of sexual harassment with those agencies.
State
Contact
Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
Regulations
Alaska Stat. §18.80.220. Unlawful employment practices; exception.
Alaska Stat. §23.10.440. Posting of information on sexual harassment
Federal
Contact
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Regulations
29 CFR Part 1604, Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Sex