Yesterday, EEOC released its 2011 statistical report ( http://eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/1-24-12a.cfm ) showing that it accepted an all-time high in total charges of discrimination by employees against their employers. However, EEOC also resolved more charges in 2011 (112,499) than it took in through new charge filings. EEOC also trumpeted in its release of a record $455.6 million in relief for private sector, state, and local employees and applicants, an increase of more than $51 million from FY2010 and continuing the upward trend of the past three fiscal years. Inside the charge statistics, claims of race and gender discrimination were down, while disability and age discrimination charges increased in 2011.
New FLSA guidance from DOL
Employers and employees should be aware of updated guidance on employee participation in Wage and Hour matters that was issued through the Department of Labor in late December. The updated fact sheet can be found at http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs77b.htm or reach out to one of the BHMK attorneys for guidance on this or other Wage and Hour issues.
New DOL Guidance on FMLA
The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.
