Workplace Law Complaints

Individuals can submit complaints to OESC for a current, former or potential employer who they believe has violated workplace laws. Complaints may include any range of topics, such as pay, leave, health and safety, living standards, agricultural labor rights violations, discrimination and retaliation. Once a complaint is received by OESC, staff will document the issue, begin investigating their complaint and refer to the appropriate enforcement agency. If any further information is needed, an agent will reach out to them. Please be aware that submitting the complaint is only the first step in the process and failure to respond to OESC will result in their complaint being dismissed.

Types of Issues

Wage Issues

Unpaid wages, including overtime, commissions and bonuses
Wages paid by checks issued with insufficient funds
Final paychecks not received
Unused vacation hours that were not paid upon termination of the employment relationship (e.g., a quit, discharge or layoff).
Unauthorized deductions from paychecks

Non-wage Issues

Retaliation and termination
Rest breaks and meal periods
Child labor
Uniforms
Discrimination
Health and safety
Suspected human trafficking

NOTE: It is against the law for a business to fire or retaliate against an employee who exercises a protected right, files or intends to file a complaint or who has discussed potential violations of their rights.

Want to File a Complaint?

Complete Form

Contact Information

For any questions, email OESC at msfw@oesc.ok.gov.

Workplace Law Complaints Flyer

Enforcement Authorities

Below are just a few of the enforcement authorities you may be referred to if OESC is unable to resolve your complaint locally.

Oklahoma Attorney General - Civil Rights Enforcement
Enforce laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Oklahoma Department of Labor
Regulates wage and hour laws as well as laws around licensing, child labor and more.

Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission
Responsible for adjudicating workmen's compensation claims.

Office of Disability Concerns
Furthers opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
Investigates criminal offenses related to human trafficking and money laundering

U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division
Establishes fair labor standards for federal minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, wage garnishment, child labor and government contract standards.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Enforces health and safety regulations to provide safe and healthy work for employees.

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Conducts secret-ballot elections to determine whether employees want union representation and investigate and remedy unfair labor practices by employers and unions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Investigates complaints of employment discrimination where an individual believes there has been discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin and age in private industry, state and local government.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Administers the nation’s immigration system and adjudicates requests for immigration benefits.