The EEOC shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to its strategic enforcement of federal workplace discrimination laws. Indeed, EEOC litigation picked up in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, and the agency just held a major public hearing in October to emphasize the attention its placing on workplace harassment.
Here are a few highlights that all employers should take note of as we head into a new year:
In the last fiscal year, the number of gender-based harassment charges filed with the EEOC reached an all-time high of 13,055;
The EEOC reported a nearly 14% increase in sexual harassment charges and a 50% increase in lawsuits alleging sexual harassment;
The EEOC recovered more than $500 million in relief for victims of workplace discrimination, including almost $70 million for victims of sexual harassment; and
The EEOC filed almost 199 new lawsuits seeking relief for workplace discrimination.
It appears that the #MeToo movement has made an impact in the way that the EEOC, and employers across California and the country, are handling workplace sexual harassment.
At October’s public hearing, several key issues were discussed, including:
- the need for employers to continue presenting effective workforce harassment training (read more on that here)
- recommendation that companies conduct “a workplace culture assessment”
For more information on how to ensure your business stays out of the #MeToo spotlight, contact experienced attorney Drew E. Pomerance today.
