EEOC Statistics

The EEOC has released a fascinating statistical chart depicting case filings on a state by state basis. Mississippi generated 1.8% of total charges and Louisiana 2.1%. Texas and Florida generated the most total charges, with California ranking third, despite a larger population. Of course California's state laws and state courts may provide a favorable environment for aggrieved employees thereby encouraging a bypass of the federal system.

EEOC reports FY 2011 activity

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released its 2011 activity report. Highlights: Record number of charges filed (99,947), resolutions (112,499) and almost a half billion dollars in financial relief. Detailed statistics can be found here.

Isn't it ironic

The EEOC has sued the Scooter Store (they sell mobility to those with limitations on walking) for disability discrimination.

Dwarf denied stool accommodation

In a suit filed against Starbucks by the EEOC, the allegations are after hiring a dwarf, Starbucks refused to provide her a stool or stepladder so that she could fulfill her customer service duties. The EEOC claims the failure to provide an accommodation violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

NOLA construction company popped in harassment case

A jury has awarded $451,000 in damages against Boh Brothers for male on male sexual harassment. This case was litigated on behalf of plaintiff by the EEOC. Previous post here.

Final ADA regulations

Then EEOC has issued final regulations implementing the ADA Amendments Act.

GINA

Yesterday the EEOC has published final rules for implementation of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).

EEOC sues law firm for age discrimination

Often law firms force or "incentivise" partners into "senior status when they reach a certain age. One New York firm has been sued by the EEOC on behalf of a 79 year old partner forced to give up his equity interest at age 70, and allegedly paid less than younger partners despite comparable or better billings and collections. Key issue: Are partners employees for purposes of ADEA? The New York Law Journal has background here.

EEOC tagged with defendant's attorney fees

A federal judge in Iowa has ordered the EEOC to pay an employer $4.5 million dollars in attorney fees for a poorly investigated and poorly prepared suit against an Iowa trucking company. The court found the award justified, in part by the burden imposed on the court.

Toxic exposure discrimination

The EEOC's Memphis office has issued a press release about the $650,000 settlement of a race/retaliation case. One of the allegations claims black workers were exposed to higher levels of radiation than white workers. Of significance also this claim is being settled by the purchaser of the enterprise accused of the wrong doing. This settlement underscores the importance of addressing pending employment law claims in the in the purchase/acquisition agreement.

EEOC settles ADA claim in New Orleans

Retailer Saks has agreed to settle, for $170,000, an ADA claim filed by the EEOC,  arising in the New Orleans store. Details here.

EEOC charge filings up in FY 2009

The EEOC has released its 2009 Performance and Accountability Report which indicates an increased volume of charge filing over the last year.

EEO poster deadline Nov. 21

The EEOC has posted online a revised EEO poster, and a supplemental poster to address GINA. Employers should post updated posters by November 21. The EEOC web site allows employers to download a full new poster, or just a supplemental poster if they already have a poster. Also an employer may order up to ten posters for mail delivery. Many employers pay commercial services for these items. The EEOC provides them for free.

The EEOC has updated flu advice

The EEOC's technical assistance document for flu has been updated and expanded. There is a very informative Q. & A. section. Specific advice permits employers to send persons home with flu symtoms. Direction on what inquiries are appropriate is also provided.

EEOC sues Boh Brothers

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] has filed suit against Boh Brothers Construction Co., L.L.C., a major New Orleans area contractor. The suit alleges male on male sexual harassment and retaliation. The suit alleges the employee was transferred after complaining of harassment to a position where he earned less and had to commute further, and shortly after the transfer was terminated from employment. This suit is one of 32 suits the EEOC has filed in the latter part of September.

Flu and the ADA

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has released a notice concerning ADA issues and influenza. The advisory includes an approved "ADA-Compliant Pre-Pandemic Employee Survey" concerning employees availability for work.

Dramatic increase in EEOC charges in FY 2008

The total number of EEOC charges filed in FY 2008, 95,402, was a whopping 12,610 more than filed the previous FY. Its the largest volume of charges in the last decade. Race allegations were included in 35.6% of the charges, followed by retaliation, 34.3%, and sex, 29.7%. Statistics from 1997 - 2008 can be found here.