The HR Dictionary

Front Pay

Front pay is a fair remedy and a part of the ‘make whole’ compensation offered for discrimination in the workplace. ‘Make whole’ relief refers to all measures required to compensate a victim of prejudice for the discrimination they experienced by putting them as closely as feasible in the position they would have been in if the wrong had not been done. In wrongful termination, discrimination, or anti-retaliation actions, plaintiffs may receive front pay as an equitable remedy or form of damages. 

The agency in charge of stopping and redressing illegal employment discrimination in the United States is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC. Employee concerns about employers are looked upon by the EEOC. The EEOC collects data and information, makes site visits, and interviews witnesses as part of its procedure for deciding whether a charge is meritorious. The employee and the employer may be invited to a mediation or conciliation session if the EEOC thinks the charge is legitimate in order to reach a resolution. The employee may take the matter to federal court if they are unable to come to an agreement during the mediation procedure.