What is a Charging Party? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A charging party is a person who formally submits a complaint or charge to the Personnel Appeals Board (PAB) Office of General Counsel for investigation. This process is part of the procedures that address employment practices at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The charging party initiates the legal process to seek resolution for grievances related to employment issues.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A former employee of the GAO believes they were wrongfully terminated due to age discrimination. They file a charge with the PAB, acting as the charging party.

Example 2: An employee reports harassment by a supervisor and submits a formal complaint to the PAB. In this scenario, they are the charging party seeking an investigation into their claims.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Respondent The party against whom a charge is filed. The charging party initiates the complaint, while the respondent is the subject of the complaint.
Complainant A person who makes a formal complaint. In some contexts, a complainant may refer to a broader range of complaints beyond employment practices.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you have been subjected to unfair employment practices, consider taking the following steps:

  • Gather all relevant documentation and evidence regarding your claim.
  • Consult the PAB guidelines for filing a charge.
  • Consider using US Legal Forms to access templates for filing your complaint.
  • If the situation is complex or you need assistance, seek help from a legal professional.

Key takeaways