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Advancing workplace rights, safety and health, and
accessibility in the legislative branch.

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The CAA Laws

The Congressional Accountability Act Laws

Veterans’ Employment Opportunities

The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans improved access to Federal job opportunities and establishes a redress system for preference eligibles in the event that their veterans’ preference rights are violated.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination and Privacy

Employees may not be discriminated against and denied health insurance based on their genetic information.

Collective Bargaining and Unionization

Certain legislative branch employees have the right to join a union and collectively bargain with an employing office.

Hazard-Free Workplaces

Workplaces in the legislative branch must be free of hazards that are likely to cause death or serious injury.

Access to Public Services and Accommodations

Offices in the legislative branch must make their public services, programs, activities, and places of public accommodation accessible to members of the public who have a disability.

Protection Against Reprisal or Intimidation for Exercising Workplace Rights

An employer may not intimidate, retaliate, or discriminate against employees who exercise their rights applied by the CAA.            

Uniformed Services Rights and Protections

Employees cannot be discriminated against for past or present duty in the “uniformed services,” and those who leave work to perform unformed service are entitled to be reemployed after a service obligation ends.

Notification of Office Closing or Mass Layoffs

Employees are entitled to be given advance notice of an office closing or mass layoff.

Polygraph Testing Protections

With limited exceptions, employees cannot be required to take polygraph (“lie detector”) tests.

Fair Labor Standards

Employees must get paid at least the current minimum wage, and certain employees are entitled to overtime pay.

Family and Medical Leave Act

Employees are entitled to 12 weeks of leave from work for certain family and medical reasons.

Harassment and Discrimination Prohibited

Employees cannot be harassed or discriminated against in personnel actions because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Training + Resources

  • There are two types of sexual harassment: "quid pro quo" and "hostile environment." Learn More.

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