Work-bias claims based on disability up nationally
January 11, 2010The number of workers claiming job discrimination based on disability, religion or national origin surged to new highs last year, as federal job-bias complaints overall stayed at near-record levels.
On January 6, 2010, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said that charges of disability discrimination rose by about 10%, the largest increase of any category. The increase coincided with changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act last year that made it easier for people with epilepsy, diabetes and other treatable conditions to claim they are disabled.
Charges of discrimination based on national origin rose by about 5%, while religious discrimination claims rose less than 1%. Allegations of race discrimination remained the most frequently filed complaint accounting for about 36% of all filings last year.
The EEOC said that the near-historic level of complaints overall may be due to factors including economic conditions, increased diversity and demographic shifts in the workforce.
