As the first month of 2012 passes, it is important to look at 2011 totals compiled by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). According to a recent report, the EEOC received a record 99,947 charges of employment discrimination last year. The Commission obtained $455.6 million in monetary relief through its administrative program and litigation.

The most frequent charge was retaliation, with 37,334 charges filed, which made up 37.4 percent of the total charges in 2011. Federal law prohibits employers from taking action against employees for filing a charge of workplace discrimination or because they complained to their supervisor or other responsible entity about discrimination. Employers also may not fire, demote or otherwise discipline employees for taking part in employment discrimination investigations or lawsuits.

Further, many employers do not realize that retaliation is prohibited in any aspect of employment, including hiring, compensation, promotions, job assignments, training, and other job related benefits.

The next frequent charge was racial discrimination, with 35,395 charges, or 35.4 percent of all complaints. Sex and gender based charges were third, with 28,534 charges filed. The EEOC reported 25,742 disability discrimination claims, and 23,465 age discrimination charges.

Aside from compensation, more than five million employees benefited from changes in employment policies last year due to EEOC enforcement programs. As the economy improves and more Americans enter the workforce, it will still be important to enforce laws that will curb discrimination. If you believe you have been retaliated against for complaining about discrimination or taking part in an investigation, an experienced employment law attorney can help.

Source: Sacramento Business Journal "EEOC gets record number of complaints; many were retaliation" February 1, 2012