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EEOC says retaliation tops charge list

Posted On: Jan. 27, 2012 9:41 AM CST

WASHINGTON—Retaliation charges filed with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission increased 3% in fiscal 2011 and accounted for the greatest portion of charges filed, though the total number of charges across all categories remained basically flat, the agency said.

There were 36,344 retaliation charges filed in fiscal 2011, which ended Sept. 30. Retaliation was the most frequently filed charge for the second year in a row.

Total charges in fiscal 2011 increased slightly to 99,947 from 99,922 in fiscal 2010.

“For the second year in a row, the EEOC received a record number of new charges of discrimination,” EEOC Chair Jacqueline Berrien said in a statement.

Through its enforcement, mediation and litigation efforts, the EEOC also said it obtained a record $455.6 million in relief during fiscal 2011, up $51 million from the previous year.

Sex discrimination charges, which were the second-most frequently filed charge, decreased 1.7% in fiscal 2011 to 28,534 and accounted for 28.5% of the total.

Next were disability discrimination charges, which increased 2.3% to 25,742 and accounted for 25.8% of the total; and age discrimination charges, which increased 0.9% to 23,465 and accounted for 23.5% of the total.