What are the most common complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?

The most common types of complaints filed with the EEOC include:

1. Retaliation: Retaliation claims were among the most common. Employees alleged that they were subjected to adverse actions (e.g., firing, demotion, harassment) because they had engaged in a protected activity, such as filing a discrimination complaint or participating in an EEOC investigation.
2. Race Discrimination: Complaints related to race-based discrimination were also prevalent. These included claims of unfair treatment, harassment, or wrongful termination based on an individual's race or ethnicity.
3. Sexual Harassment: Cases involving sexual harassment, which could be both quid pro quo (where job benefits are conditioned on sexual favors) and hostile work environment claims, were frequently filed.
4. Disability Discrimination: Claims of discrimination on the basis of disability, often involving allegations that employers failed to provide reasonable accommodations, were another common category.
5. Age Discrimination: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) covers age-related discrimination complaints, with individuals alleging that they were treated unfairly due to their age, particularly in layoffs, hiring, or promotions.
6. National Origin Discrimination: National origin discrimination cases were brought by individuals who believed they were treated unfairly based on their place of birth, ancestry, or ethnicity.
7. Religious Discrimination: Complaints related to religious discrimination included claims of not being accommodated for religious practices, harassment based on one's religion, or wrongful termination due to religious beliefs.
8. Sex Discrimination: Gender-based discrimination claims encompassed a range of issues, including disparities in pay, promotion, and opportunities between men and women.
9. Color Discrimination: Discrimination claims specifically related to the color of an individual's skin were also reported to the EEOC.
10. Pregnancy Discrimination: Complaints of discrimination against pregnant employees, including issues related to hiring, firing, or accommodation during pregnancy, were also common.
11. Equal Pay Act (EPA) Violations: The EPA prohibits pay discrimination on the basis of sex. Many claims were filed alleging wage disparities between men and women performing substantially equal work.
12. Genetic Information Discrimination: Complaints related to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) involved allegations of discrimination based on genetic information, such as family medical history.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with discrimination in the workplace, contact attorney Ramon Martin of The Justice Law Firm, LLC today for a FREE consultation.