Employee Rights
Federal courts are committed to a workplace where everyone is treated with respect, fairness, and dignity. Discrimination and harassment are not allowed. Judges and employees are held to high standards, and everyone is expected to treat each other with civility and respect.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Ninth Circuit
The Ninth Circuit is committed to building a workplace where everyone feels welcome, treated fairly, and able to do their best work. The Office of Workplace Relations helps support this goal for all 63 court units in the circuit.
Diversity
The Ninth Circuit serves many different communities and employs people with many different backgrounds and experiences. Diversity means recognizing and valuing these differences—skills, perspectives, and ideas—that make us stronger as a team.
Equity
Equity means making sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed. From hiring to promotions, we work to ensure processes are fair and that employees have the tools and support they need to do meaningful work. When everyone has the chance to do their best, the whole circuit benefits.
Inclusion
Inclusion means creating a workplace where people feel respected, valued, and able to share their ideas. An inclusive environment helps us work together across differences and build a stronger sense of community and belonging.
Workplace Protections
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Protection from discrimination: You cannot be treated unfairly in job actions (like hiring, promotion, or firing) because of race, color, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, age (40+), disability, or service in the military.
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Protection from harassment: Sexual harassment, discrimination, and abusive conduct are not allowed.
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Protection for exercising rights: You cannot be punished, threatened, or treated unfairly for using your workplace rights, reporting problems, or speaking up. This includes whistleblower protection.
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Family and medical leave: You may take leave for certain family or health reasons, with protections for your job.
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Protection for veterans and service members: If you serve in the military, you cannot be discriminated against and you have certain benefits and reemployment rights.
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Notice of office closings or layoffs: In some cases, you must be given at least 60 days’ notice before an office closes or a mass layoff.
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Safe workplaces: Employers must follow health and safety rules and provide a workplace free of known dangers.
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Limits on polygraph testing: Employers cannot misuse lie detector tests or their results.
Download the Your Rights in a Federal Judiciary Workplace poster
Getting Help
You can talk with an Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) coordinator, the Circuit Director of Workplace Relations, or the Office of Judicial Integrity. They will explain your rights and options for handling issues.
Your Options
Assisted resolution: This is an informal process that may include talking with the person involved, a quick review of the issue, and working out an agreement.
Filing a complaint: To make a formal complaint, you must contact an EDR coordinator within 180 days of the problem.
A judge will be assigned to lead the process, which may include an investigation or hearing, and a written decision will be given. You can appeal that decision.
Download the How to Address Wrongful Misconduct in the Workplace poster
Download the Dispute Resolution Formal Complaint Process poster
Policies
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Ninth Circuit Employment Dispute Resolution Policy (PDF) explains how people who work in the Ninth Circuit can report and resolve problems at work. These problems may include discrimination, harassment, bullying, or retaliation.
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Ninth Circuit Federal Public Defender Organization Employment Dispute Resolution Policy (PDF) explains how federal public defenders who work in the Ninth Circuit can report and resolve problems at work. These problems may include discrimination, harassment, bullying, or retaliation.
Contact
The Office of Workplace Relations provides support, training, and advice to help judges, managers, and employees create fair and welcoming workplaces throughout the Ninth Circuit.
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Office of Workplace Relations: workplacedirector@ce9.uscourts.gov