The Miami office of the EEOC released its 2011 numbers last week. It was a busy year for the agency. Employees filed a record 5,263 charges of discrimination last year. That number is up from 5,077 filed in 2010.
The most popular chargers were charges of retaliation, and race or sex discrimination. Age discrimination charges were also up.
These numbers should come as no real surprise - the nationwide numbers show similar trends. Nationally, the EEOC took in more charges last year than ever before.
The EEOC claims the increase in the number of charges is a result of "more people becoming aware of their rights". I doubt that is entirely accurate. It is more likely that the numbers are up because the economy continues to languish. When employees lose their jobs in a bad economy, they will consider all options. And, one option is to bring claims against their former employer. As long as the economy continues to sputter along, I expect that the EEOC (and labor and employment attorneys) will continue to be busy.
This article is for general information and does not include full legal analysis of the matters presented. It should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The description of the results of any specific case or transaction contained herein does not mean or suggest that similar results can or could be obtained in any other matter. Each legal matter should be considered to be unique and subject to varying results. The invitation to contact the authors or attorneys in our firm is not a solicitation to provide professional services and should not be construed as a statement as to any availability to perform legal services in any jurisdiction in which such attorney is not permitted to practice.
Duane Morris LLP, a full-service law firm with more than 700 attorneys in 24 offices in the United States and internationally, offers innovative solutions to the legal and business challenges presented by today's evolving global markets. Duane Morris LLP, a full-service law firm with more than 700 attorneys in 24 offices in the United States and internationally, offers innovative solutions to the legal and business challenges presented by today's evolving global markets. The Duane Morris Institute provides training workshops for HR professionals, in-house counsel, benefits administrators and senior managers.
