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Many Ohio employers could do more to prevent unlawful workplace discrimination for migrant and other guest workers, according to information released by Mid American Ag and Hort Services (MAAHS), a consortium of associations, organizations and employers improving the working and earnings environment for member businesses and their employees.

When it comes to avoiding discrimination, an understanding of the law and a commitment to good business practices can be extremely beneficial to employers small and large alike, said John Wargowsky, MAAHS executive director.

Wargowsky cited information from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Cleveland District Office.

The EEOC enforces federal laws that protect virtually everyone in the country from employment discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, sex, age and disability. The law’s protection applies to nearly everyone – not just to U.S. citizens, he said. Now is the time for businesses and employers in the agricultural and other seasonal industries to prepare to ensure equal employment opportunity for migrant workers and other guest workers who make important contributions to Ohio’s economy.

Under federal law, workers can choose which documents to present as proof of their right to work in the United States as long as the documents establish identity and right to work in the United States.

Through laws enforced by EEOC, no one can be denied equal employment opportunity because of their birthplace, ancestry, culture or linguistic characteristics. An employer may not refuse to hire someone because he or she looks or sounds "foreign" or because of immigration status. Employers also may not require employees to demonstrate a knowledge of English that is not necessary to do the job being applied for, and may not require employees to "speak English-only" in the workplace unless there are valid business reasons for the requirement.

In Ohio, EEOC maintains offices in Cleveland and Cincinnati, which can be reached by calling 800-669-4000. Inquiries are confidential. You also can visit the EEOC Web site by going to OFBF’s site and clicking on Featured Links. For more information about MAAHS, call 614-246-8286, e-mail labor@ofbf.org or visit its Web site through www.ofbf.org