Most Charges allege more than one type of illegal employment practice. Race remained the second most common allegation, but disability overtook sex discrimination and harassment to become the third most common allegation nationally.
The EEOC filed 142 lawsuits nationwide last year – 9 more than the prior fiscal year. Following an investigation, 65.2% of Charges were dismissed as lacking reasonable cause. Almost a third were dismissed without an investigation: 16.7% were administratively closed, 5.7% were withdrawn with benefits and 8.9% were closed following a settlement between the parties. Only 3.5% of Charges were found to have reasonable cause after an investigation.
The EEOC announced that it
obtained$356.6M in pre-litigation settlements, mediation and conciliation,
compared to $296.1M last year, $372.1M in 2013, $365.4M
in 2012, and $364.6M in 2011. Litigation
settlements last year obtained $65.3M, compared to $22.4M in 2014, $39M in 2013,
$44.2M in 2012, and $91M in 2011.
Most Charges continue to complain about discharges,
harassment, discriminatory terms and conditions of employment, and disciplinary
action. There was a slight decrease in
the number of Charges complaining about illegal waivers and wage
discrimination.
NOTICE: This summary is designed merely to inform and alert you
of recent legal developments. It does not constitute legal advice and does not
apply to any particular situation because different facts could lead to
different results. Information here can be changed or amended without
notice. Readers should not act upon this information without legal advice. If
you have any questions about anything you have read, you should consult with or
retain an employment attorney.
