The limits of using grievance procedures to combat workplace discrimination

Abstract

I examine the move from phone to online Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) reporting at the United States Postal Service (USPS) to identify the causal impact of grievance procedure use. This shift led to a large increase in sex–based complaints at the USPS in areas with greater access to broadband. However, I observe no commensurate change in sex gaps related to turnover, hiring, and promotions. My results suggest that a 10% increase in sex–based complaints changes the female share in separations or hires by less than 1%. Increased investment in grievance procedures appears unlikely to significantly influence discrimination outcomes.