EEOC Discrimination Charges Highest in Years
The EEOC yesterday released a press release reporting that 82,792 discrimination charges were filed with the agency last fiscal year. That total was the highest since 2002 and the increase of 9% was the highest since the 1990s.
The EEOC also reported that it recovered $345 million on behalf of victims of discrimination, an increase of 26% versus last year. Full charge data is available here.
The top four charge categories were, in order, race, retaliation, sex and age, each of which had a significant increase over last year. The EEOC attributes the increases to a variety of factors, including greater awareness of employee rights, deteriorating economic conditions and demographic shifts toward greater diversity in the workforce.
Here’s a snapshot of the filings:
| Basis of Charge Filing | FY 2007 | FY 2006 | Percentage Increase/Historical Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| RACE | 30,510 | 27,238 | Up 12% to highest level since FY 1994 |
| RETALIATION | 26,663 | 22,555 | Up 18% to record high level, double since FY 1992 |
| SEX/GENDER | 24,826 | 23,247 | Up 7% to highest level since FY 2002 |
| AGE | 19,103 | 16,548 | Up 15%, largest annual increase since FY 2002 |
| DISABILITY | 17,734 | 15,575 | Up 14% to highest level since FY 1998 |
| NATIONAL ORIGIN | 9,369 | 8,327 | Up 12%, above 9,000 for second time ever |
| RELIGION | 2,880 | 2,541 | Up 13% to record high level, double since FY 1992 |
| TOTAL CHARGES | 82,792 | 75,768 | Up 9%, largest annual increase since FY 1993 |
Other charge types were up significantly as well. Pregnancy charges hit a new record of 5,587, up 14% from last year’s record. Sexual harassment charges were up for the first time since 2000, with a record number filed by male employees.
The EEOC also reported resolving a record 8,649 charges through its voluntary mediation program, an increase of 5% over last year’s record high. Users reported a 96% satisfaction rate with the program, indicating a strong willingness to use it again in the future.
So, what’s the message for employers? According to EEOC Chair Naomi Earp, “Corporate America needs to do a better job of proactively preventing discrimination and addressing complaints promptly and effectively. To ensure that equality of opportunity becomes a reality in the 21st century workplace, employers need to place a premium on fostering inclusive and discrimination-free work environments for all individuals.”
