Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Federal law prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Essential consideration for promotion-related grievances involving potential discrimination.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Federal law protecting workers 40 and older from age-based discrimination in employment decisions, including promotions.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law ensuring equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including consideration for promotions and career advancement.

Equal Pay Act: Federal law requiring equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. Relevant when promotion decisions affect compensation equity.

Civil Rights Act of 1991: Federal law providing monetary damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination, strengthening existing civil rights laws.

State Anti-Discrimination Laws: State-specific laws that may provide additional or broader protections against discrimination in promotion decisions than federal laws.

Company Promotion Policies: Internal organizational guidelines and procedures governing promotion processes and criteria that must be followed.

Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union contracts specifying promotion procedures, seniority rules, and grievance processes if applicable to the workplace.

EEOC Guidelines: Federal guidelines establishing standards for promotion criteria, documentation requirements, and complaint filing procedures.

Documentation Requirements: Evidence needed to support the grievance, including performance reviews, qualifications, and comparison with other candidates.