EEOC charges hit record number
January 21, 2009 by Sam NarisiPosted in: EEOC, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views
The EEOC recently released its 2008 filing data — and it doesn’t look good for employers.
The number of charges in 2008 reached a record high of 95,402 — up more than 15% from the previous year. (However, the total amount of money recovered in court actually went down, from $290.6 million to $274.4 million.)
Why the increase in charges? Many experts blame the economy. More employees lost their jobs, so more have had the opportunity to file a claim.
And they say the worst is yet to come — some predict the number of EEOC charges will reach well into six digits in ’09.
Tags: charges, EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
January 28th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Unfortuneatly as the big bad corporation (even those of two whole employees) you are automatically assumed to be in the wrong unless you can prove yourself right. And even then many times you are wrong. just remember the basics…document,write it down, record everything. The more information you can bring, the greater the chance it will be thrown out or at least a lessor penalty for being right is assessed.
January 28th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Albert, I truely wish that that was true. In a recent case it didnt matter how much evidence was presented, the accuser will NOT walk away empty handed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m sure that I’m talking out of turn, but too many of these EEOC (sexual harrasement) charges are a sham. Maybe the excuse of the economy is the only reason for someone to attempt to get money that they dont deserve from ex employers. One other small point, those that are falsy accusing also need to remember that the money doesnt come overnight … at least a year down the road. I certainly is not a get rich quick idea!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 28th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
It is too bad that there is such a short time limit to file a claim, as often it is an on going situation. Why does the EEOC, have such a small time window. I think there should be no such restriction as often an employee fears filing a complaint for fear of being fired, or more retaliation and working in a hostil work inviorment.
February 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I figured out a GREAT way for the government to make a lot of money and, at the same time cut down on fraudulent/frivolus claims……..make a fee to file a charge….$10 to file the claim. The EEOC would have made close to a million dollars last year
If the person who has been discriminated against is telling the truth, $10 would be a drop in the bucket based on the ‘pay out’ that they will receive. A person with no merit would be less likely to file based on the fact that it would cost them.
February 2nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Charles, You are absolutely right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I completely agree with Charles as well. That ranks up there with the government needing to have welfare recipients take random drug tests. Watch that number decrease dramatically also. If only an “average Joe” could run the show, then we might be able to have a better environment altogether.