The EEOC fiscal year ended September 2010. They had a record year – nearly 100,000 cases and they collected nearly $319 million for those who were discriminated against.
Further, the EEOC is cutting its backlog of cases. They are getting to cases more quickly than in the past (due to an infusion of new staff).
Employers – be scared, be very scared. I am seeing new claims in every industry – from restaurants, to manufacturing, to retail, to construction. The $319 million only a fraction of the real cost of these cases. These numbers don’t include state or municipal claims, lawyers’ fees, loss of focus of key business personnel, etc.
Best practice – make sure your policies and practices are NOT discriminatory, provide needed training on these issues and, if there is a problem, react immediately to rectify it.
I am thankful that the EEOC is there to protect the rights of employees who have been mistreated, I’d just like for them to have less to do. It’s easy to keep your company safe. Start today.
