Discrimination Claims Are On The Rise
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") recently issued a press release advising that a total of 82,792 discrimination charges were filed last year. According to the EEOC, this was the highest volume of incoming charges since 2002, and the largest annual increase (9%) since the early 1990s. The most frequently alleged forms of discrimination were based on race (with a 12% increase), retaliation (up 18% to a record high level) and sex (up 7%), although nearly all classifications posted increases from the previous year. The EEOC also noted that pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment claims appear to be trending upward trend – pregnancy discrimination charges increased 14% from the previous year, and sexual harassment filings increased for the first time (4%) since 2000. Notably, a record 16% of sexual harassment charges were initiated by men.
When the economy slows down, it is not uncommon to see an increase in discrimination filings. The EEOC has recognized this, opining that the increased filings have come about, in part, because of changing economic conditions. Employers are therefore advised to remain vigilant in the enforcement of anti-discrimination, harassment and retaliation policies, and to ensure that supervisory employees receive all legally required training. Please contact us directly to discuss any questions you may have relating to your obligations to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace.