The EEOC recently released several data tables showing their activity in fiscal year 2014 (October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014). The Commission received 88,778 charges of workplace discrimination during FY 2014, which is approximately 5,000 fewer than the prior fiscal year. The EEOC also resolved 87,442 charges—down almost 10,000 from the prior year. The EEOC attributes these decreases to the effects of sequestration and the government shutdown. The EEOC managed to collect $296.1 million for victims through mediation, conciliation and other administrative enforcement, and another $22.5 million through litigation. Overall, the EEOC filed 133 lawsuits in FY 2014 (up from FY 2013) and maintained 228 cases on its active docket at the end of the reporting period.

The data tables reflect no new trends in the type of claims being filed at the EEOC. The top basis for a claim remained (from 2013) retaliation under any statute at 42.8% of all claims filed. The next two most common bases were race and sex. Disability claims followed with 28.6% of the charges, which was also steady from 2013. At the bottom of the list were those under the Equal Pay Act and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act. 30% of all charges alleged the issue of harassment on various bases. The most common sort of adverse employment action alleged was discharge.

Texas, Florida and California  were the top three states for number of charges.

In the press release, the EEOC also restated the agency's commitment to focus on prevention of harassment in the workplace.  Employers should note the continued growth of retaliation claims and the EEOC's apparent increase in litigated cases, despite a reduction in the overall number of charges filed.

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