Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

The Lone Star State of Texas has behaved at times more like an independent fiefdom than like a state of a larger nation. Texas’ fiercely independent mentality dates back at least to the 19th century, during which time no fewer than six separate entities governed the land. (For a time during this period, Texas actually became an autonomous republic.)

Today, the state is home to nearly 25 million people and generates an annual gross product of nearly $1.1 trillion. That’s equal in size to the economy of India. Texas maintains a business-friendly climate by keeping state taxes as low as possible and maintaining only limited state services. Major TX industries include oil and natural gas, finance, farming and ranching, fishing (along the coast), and aeronautics and IT.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) handles harassment and anti-discrimination cases. The TWC is a neutral agency – it offers services to both employers and employees. Among its many functions, it educates and trains workers and business owners, investigates discrimination claims, provides resources and training for job seekers, and keeps tabs on trends in the labor market. Throughout the state, there are 28 different regional TWC boards.

Some of the key Texas laws regulating discrimination, harassment and retaliation at the workplace include:

• Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title VII
• Equal Pay Act of 1963
• Texas Labor Code Chapters 21 and 22
• Texas Administrative Code Part 20

Texas’ southern border with Mexico has long been dominated by socioeconomic, racial, and political paradoxes. Mexican-born laborers living in south Texas are often willing to work for less pay and labor under fewer protections than their American peers. A potent brew of racial discrimination, wage and hour violations, and retaliation from angry employers can make working at the border miserable.

Fortunately, if a Texas employer has violated anti-discrimination law, you can take legal action to correct the problem and/or demand compensation. Look to the lawyers of Joseph, Herzfeld, Hester & Kirschenbaum LLP for guidance.