The government-wide average was 344 days. Last year, when the city of Minneapolis awarded $27 million to the family of George Floyd, their attorney called it the largest pretrial civil rights settlement ever. Sonia B. v. Tennessee Valley Authority, EEOC Appeal No. Buck S. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. This policy reaffirms the Postal Service's commitment to providing a work environment free of harassment and supersedes MOP HR-03-14-2019-2. The claims, evidence, and legal briefs for all of our clients' relief claims have been submitted to the EEOC Administrative Judge. Irina T. v. Dep't of Veterans Affairs, EEOC Appeal No. "In accordance with remedial compliance action item I contained in the November 7, 2018 decision of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Office of Federal Operations (EEOC) in Sandra M. McConnell et al. The USPS increased its productivity each year from 20002007 mainly through automation, route optimization and through facility consolidation. USPS timely processed 99.5% of the 17,054 pre-complaint counselings (without remands) completed in FY 2009. 8403 Colesville RoadSuite 1000Silver Spring, MD 20910, 610 South Ninth StreetLas Vegas, NV 89101, 2023 Gilbert Employment Law, P.C. The Commission has jurisdiction over complaints alleging discrimination occurring in the course of a dual-status technician's civilian employment in a General Services position. It is not an effective accommodation to require an employee with a disability to take leave when another accommodation would enable the employee to continue working, and it is not the agency's role to dictate what type of assistive or monitoring device the employee uses. Agency denied Complainant a reasonable accommodation in violation of the Rehabilitation Act when it failed to provide him with a sign-language interpreter at the kick-off Combined Federal Campaign meeting intended for all facility employees; a "make-up" meeting, where only the CFC representative and three deaf employees, but no keynote speakers, were present was insufficient to remedy the situation. v. United States Postal Service an AJ decision certified the following class: Alesia P. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. Federal Legal Cases Filed by Postal Employees from PostalReporter.com EEOC Summarizes Policies on Monetary Awards - FEDweek 0120171387 (May 2, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120171387.pdf. 0120150846 (Nov. 10, 2016), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120150846.txt. Genny L. v. Dep't of Defense, EEOC Appeal No. Agency did not meet its burden to show that the disparity between Complainant's pay and that of two male general surgeons was based on a factor other than sex where Agency provided only vague statements to justify the pay differential and there was a lack of information reflecting how the salaries of Complainant and the comparators were set. It is by no accident that our craft is taking positive strides. 4~I1i.#3S*S6SS2+V18gtdm$0^FA !HS4$0I@T1 6 During the coming weeks, we will not only be analyzing the spreadsheet for the Agency's compliance with the Judge's Order, but we will also be supplementing the spreadsheet with the information the EEOC has asked us to compile. Assuming that Complainant established that he was subjected to sexual harassment because of his sex/sexual orientation, the decision found that the Agency was not liable for the alleged harassment because management began an investigation immediately after Complainant reported a coworker's comments, an EEO Counselor spoke to employees about EEO guidelines at a meeting, a Power Point on sexual harassment was presented at a group meeting, an Agency official spoke to the group about the matter, the union president was made available for counseling, the coworker received a letter of reprimand regarding her comments, and there was no evidence that the coworker made any comments about Complainant's sexual orientation after he reported the matter to management. 0120173008 (Feb. 27, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120173008.pdf. Bernardo C. v. Dep't of Veterans Affairs, EEOC Appeal No. 1300 L Street NW The AJ took account of several factors that limited Complainants non-pecuniary damages award, found that the Agency was not the sole cause of Complainants emotional and psychological harm, and limited the award of pecuniary damages to the amounts contained in "legitimate receipts.". At the conclusion of the EEO investigation, plaintiff requested a hearing with an Administrative Judge. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 12, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_06_08/2019005682.pdf. For questions or concerns please contact our offices: Thomas & Solomon LLP - [About the Firm] 693 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 (877) 272-4066 (telephone M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM EST) (585) 272-0574 (facsimile) Agency discriminated against Complainant on the bases of race and sex when her supervisor gave her a negative job reference that included unfounded critical statements about Complainant; evidence supported Complainant's assertion that supervisor did not want Complainant, a Hispanic woman, potentially to serve as the supervisor's superior. USPS agreed to pay a total of $5,631,795 plus other benefits for 598 complaint closures through settlement agreements, final agency decisions, and final agency orders fully implementing AJ decisions. Substantial evidence supported the Administrative Judge's determination that the Agency retaliated against Complainant for protected EEO activity when it issued her a Letter of Counseling. * EEOC revised the formula for calculating the ADR offer and participation rates in FY 2006. The video game publisher Activision Blizzard said Monday that it would pay $18 million in a settlement with a federal employment agency that filed a . Particularly useful are their publications "Questions and Answers About . Colby S. v. Dep't of the Treasury, EEOC Appeal No. Administrative Judge properly determined that, where Complainant (through a retainer agreement) was being provided legal services at a reduced rate based on public-interest-minded reasons, the proper hourly rate was the prevailing rate at the time of the fee petition rather than the historical rate at the time the work was performed. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. On December 8, 2017, Arbitrator Shyam Das found that the Postal Service was in violation of the parties Article 1.6.B Global Settlement Remedy (This article first appeared in the July/August 2021 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine) You do what they say, not what they do. michael sandel justice course syllabus. 0120160543 (Jan. 14, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/0120160543.pdf. Bart M. v. Dep't of the Interior, EEOC Appeal No. A lock ( Supervisor engaged in per se reprisal when he told Complainant that her complaints about EEO issues were causing him extra work and stress, threatened her with termination, and labeled her as someone who does not work well with others because of her oral complaints about co-workers. NRP Class Action Lawsuit Update - December, 2020 Settlement Agreements for EEO Complaints - Office of Resolution XOs`4ueYh;Ex=B,Dv4 RhA8eKw/VAFGVg(Iz8u.V:\Ms|(pAGn%A@%xK b8@8\Kx78 Y> &L P dv0H4t0p40Ht00 @` h*D#8&i 4 a`M@, Of the 5,659 complaints filed at USPS, 1,283 contained allegations of race (Black/African American) discrimination, 570 contained allegations of race (White) discrimination, 128 contained allegations of race (Asian) discrimination, 17 contained allegations of race (American Indian/Alaska Native) discrimination, 757 contained allegations of color discrimination and 2,533 contained allegations of disability discrimination. 14, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_08_31/2020005108.pdf. Postal Workers Class Action EEOC Cases Against USPS Complainant did nothing more than raise broad, across-the-board allegations of discriminatory policies and practices covering a variety of personnel processes, she was unable to establish that each allegation happened to every class member, and counsels actions raised concerns that the classs interests would not be protected. 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) 0120170064 (Feb. 8, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120170064.pdf. 0 If it is found that you meet the legal criteria for reinstatement, the Judge can order USPS to give you back the job you held before the NRP. Lacy R. v. Dep't of the Air Force, EEOC Appeal No. Jenna P. v. Dep't of Homeland Security, EEOC Appeal No. EEOC finds that a USPS employee claims of discrimination and retaliation were not sufficiently investigated by the agency. Bertram K. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. The appellate decision affirmed an Administrative Judge's award of $200,000.00 in non-pecuniary compensatory damages and $223,116.35 in pecuniary compensatory damages. 0120170676 (Oct. 31, 2018), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120170676.pdf. March 1, 2023 12:32 pm. PDF UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - GovInfo To help the public identify those decisions, the Commission has decided to assign randomly generated first names and initials, along with a brief summary of the decisions, to the cases. PDF U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION Office of Federal - USPS According to the USPS' own written policy, "managers and supervisors are responsible for preventing harassment and inappropriate behavior could lead to illegal harassment and must respond. Mae P. v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, EEOC Appeal No. 2019002523 (July 7, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_08_11/2019002523.pdf. EEOC Administrative Judge has approved a settlement in the Pittman v For Deaf/Hard of Hearing callers: 2020001024 (June 14, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_08_31/2020001024.pdf. Cristen T. v. U.S. 26, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0720180009.pdf. 2022_11_29_Ordr_Prdc_UntimelinessSprdsht_Redacted.pdf, Motion to Clarify or Supplement (11.15.22) (as filed)_Redacted.pdf, 2022 11-3 Order Following Conference_Redacted.pdf, Copyright United States Postal Service 2019. EEOC resolved 70,804 charges in FY 2020 and increased its merit factor resolution rate to 17.4 percent from 15.6 percent the prior year. Official websites use .gov [9] These numbers reflect an increase in the percentage of Title VII settlements compared to 2016-2019. Zonia C. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The U.S. 131 M Street, NE . No. The bases of alleged discrimination most often raised were: (1) Reprisal; (2) Disability (Physical); and (3) Age. The Administrative Judge properly reduced Complainant's attorney's fees and costs by 40 percent where Complainant prevailed on only one of his five retaliation claims, the successful claim was not so inextricably intertwined with the unsuccessful claims that Complainant would be entitled to an award of full attorney's fees, the case did not present novel issues, and the fee petition contained numerous instances that might be considered excessive, duplicative, or unreasonable time expended. 0120122672 (Feb. 24, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120122672.txt. IV. Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. Eura B. v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, EEOC Appeal No. EEOC FY 2020 Statistics: EEOC's Recovery on Behalf of Employees 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120180736.pdf. usps eeoc settlements 2020aiken county sc register of deeds usps eeoc settlements 2020 Their is no accountability in Michigan, so why would i be surprised !. In 2009, an administrative judge awarded back pay with interest and $100,000 in compensatory damages. 2020002203, 2020002190, 2020002216, 2020002197 (Jan. 28, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_08_16/2020002203.pdf. We are looking for people who may have been affected by the unlawful discrimination alleged in these suits. The EEOC concluded that the employee demonstrated that the Postal Service reasons for its actions were more than likely a pretext for reprisal discrimination and that the award of $40,000 was consistent with the amounts awarded in similar cases. A lock ( Colby S. v. Dep't of Veterans Affairs, EEOC Appeal No. Keri C. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Washington, DC 20507 Copyright 2023 The Angel Law Firm, PLLC. Pamela W. v. Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, EEOC Appeal No. 0120180736 (Aug. 30. 0120180570, 0120181692, and 2019002121 (Sept. 4, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120180570.pdf. Velva B. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. It experienced five straight years of operating losses between 20112016 with the majority of its deficit coming from $5.8 billion in accruals of unpaid mandatory retiree health insurance payments. However, the EEO refused to award more than $1,000 in attorney fees as the record didnt include an affidavit submitted by Padillas attorney, only his account indicating monthly payments to his attorney for services rendered. USPS Settlement | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - US EEOC Employers paid more than $439 million to resolve U.S. Joan S. v. Dep't of Homeland Security, EEOC Appeal No. 1-844-234-5122 (ASL Video Phone), Call 1-800-669-4000 2021001514 (June 28, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_08_31/2021001514.pdf. An agency will qualify as a joint employer if it has the right to control the means and manner of the individual's work, regardless of whether the individual is paid by an outside organization or is on the federal payroll. The EEOC noted that the untimely invoices submitted on appeal did not detail the attorneys hourly rate or clearly identify the services performed by the attorney. A 75 percent reduction of attorney's fees was unwarranted where Complainant's unsuccessful claims were not distinctly different from his successful claims. Edward W. v. Social Security Admin., EEOC Appeal No. 0120162040 (Apr. 1-844-234-5122 (ASL Video Phone) The EEOC ordered the Postal Service to notify each class member, within 10 calendar days, of the EEOC decision. Pamula W. v. Dep't of Veterans Affairs, EEOC Appeal No. PDF What You Need to Know Abouteeo - Usps Brenton W. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. Ramon L. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. Class members include individuals with disabilities in permanent rehabilitation positions who allegedly had their duty hours restricted between March 24, 2000 and December 31, 2012. Sharon S. v. Dep't of Defense, EEOC Appeal No. Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. The Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service appropriately addressed all workplace violence cases in the six selected districts reviewed. Irina T. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. 2020000974 (Feb. 11, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_08_10/2020000974.pdf. The MVS Craft continues to grow. Jennifer K. v. Dep't of the Navy, EEOC Appeal No. Antony Z. v. Dep't of the Army, EEOC Request No. 0120162314 (June 5, 2018), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120162314.txt. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Gabriele G. v. Social Security Administration, EEOC Appeal No. 26, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120172637.pdf. 2019004252 (Aug. 10, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019004252.pdf. 2021001103 (Feb. 24, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_06_08/2021001103.pdf. Agency did not establish that its "sit and reach" requirement for a Wildlife Refuge Specialist position was job related and consistent with business necessity where no Agency witness was able to articulate how the ability to reach over one's toes while sitting down with legs outstretched was related to any of the functions of the position. 2020002362 (Oct. 1, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_01_19/2020002362.pdf. Letter of Caution's reference to an EEO settlement and Complainant's claim of discrimination constituted per se reprisal; references to Complainant's EEO activity in a disciplinary context could reasonably have a chilling effect on the use of the EEO complaint process. 0120090062 (9/21/10). The Commission lacks jurisdiction to consider appeals from Peace Corps volunteers and applicants, who have a separate EEO complaint process outside Commission jurisdiction; although Complainant filed her complaint against the State Department, it concerned a Peace Corps volunteer position over which the Commission did not have jurisdiction. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0520130618.txt. Mail sorters must routinely squat and lift heavy bins of mail over 70 pounds, which can cause knee, back and rotator cuff injuries. Sherrill S. v. Dep't of the Air Force, EEOC Petition No. The Agency subjected Complainant to adverse treatment based on protected EEO activity when the office director informed Complainant's detail supervisor that Complainant was engaged in settlement discussions for an EEO complaint. Statements from others, including family members, friends, health care providers, other counselors (including clergy) could address the outward manifestations or physical consequences of emotional distress including sleeplessness, anxiety, stress, depression, marital strain, humiliation, emotional distress, loss of self-esteem, excessive fatigue or a nervous breakdown. Malinda F. v. Dep't of the Air Force, EEOC Appeal No. Complainant established that she was subjected to a hostile work environment because of her sex where a coworker made several offensive comments to her about her sexual orientation, including "you need a man in your life" and "I do not think same sex couples should be allowed to get married"; Complainant asserted that the comments occurred on a weekly basis, and other coworkers corroborated that the comments occurred. 3, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120180137.pdf. 0720160006 and 0720160007 (Sept. 25, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0720160006.0720160007.txt. The parties ultimately agreed on a $49.9 million settlement for these violations and the first round of payments was accomplished beginning in June of 2020. 2020002285 (Apr. LockA locked padlock Lois G. v. Dep't of Veterans Affairs, EEOC Appeal No. Padilla also averred that he was unable to afford to see a psychologist as he didnt have any medical insurance. An official website of the United States government. 24, 2018), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120162040.txt. Brendon L. v. Dep't of Veterans Affairs, EEOC Appeal No. Elden R. v. Dep't of the Interior, EEOC Appeal No. For our 2021 report, we analyzed USPS data from fiscal years 2016 through 2020 to determine turnover and injury rates. January 17, 2020 - Status Update - Pittman Settlement Letters. 2019001961 (Sept. 21, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019001961.pdf. To help the public identify those decisions, the Commission has decided to assign randomly generated first names and initials, along with a brief summary of the decisions, to the cases. You benefit from having control of the process, since you authorize access to your information. 16, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120170582.pdf. The Commission had previously found discrimination in EEOC Appeal No. In 2021, we reported that non-career employees' turnover and injury rates were higher than career rates, both before and after we controlled for numerous factors such as employee tenure. In 2009, an administrative judge awarded back pay with interest and $100,000 in compensatory damages. 0120063761 (4/8/08) and ordered the agency to conduct a supplemental investigation on the issue of the complainants entitlement to compensatory damages. PDF EEOC Awards of Emotional Distress Damages Over $100,000 Cox will be seeking the right to file suit regarding this last EEO complaint and at such time will amend her lawsuit. Cox claims upon returning to work she was subjected to a continuing and ongoing hostile work environment by Supervisor Freeman and Postmaster McQuiston. Applying Bostock v. Clayton County, 140 S. Ct. 1831 (2020), the Commission found that the agency discriminated against complainant on the basis of sexual orientation when it did not select him for any of three supervisory positions; complainant established that the agency's proffered explanation was pretextual. 0120123216 (Jan. 8, 2016), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120123216.txt. 2020003134 (Oct. 15, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_01_19/2020003134.pdf. This was met with backlash from the public, and the following year it announced it would instead keep rural post offices open with reduced retail hours, cutting back on labor costs and limiting essential services provided to the millions of people. USPS employee wins discrimination and harassment claim with the EEOC. 2020000109 (Oct. 26, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2020000109.pdf. Expecting every potential class member to undertake the individualized inquiry that the Rehabilitation Act requires during the liability phase is impractical and unworkable; it is more efficient and effective to require prospective class members to prove that they are qualified individuals with disabilities during the remedies phase of the proceeding, because that is where proof of ones status as a qualified individual with a disability under the Rehabilitation Act naturally aligns with proof of ones membership in a class. 0120170498 (Apr. %PDF-1.6 % And the Unions are bed partners with Management. 0120171405 (Mar. Thomasina B. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. The participation rate for FY 2008 was 0.77% and for FY 2005 was 0.88%. I know I use to be a Union Steward for National Association of Letter Carriers for seven years. 131 M Street, NE Frequently Asked Questions, Commissioner Charges and Directed Investigations, Office of Civil Rights, Diversity and Inclusion, Management Directives & Federal Sector Guidance, Federal Sector Alternative Dispute Resolution, Decision to File Complaint Pending at End of Fiscal Year, Completed/Ended Counselings/Complaint Closures, All Pre-Complaint Counselings (minus remands). Current Developments | NRP Class Action USPS agreed to pay $840,044 for 4,584 pre-complaint settlements, of which 433 were monetary settlements averaging $1,940. But these new rules would impose additional requirements on the EEOC that . Latarsha A. v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, EEOC Appeal Nos. Sol W. v. Dep't of Defense, EEOC Appeal No. Tanya P. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. Sang G. v. Dep't of Homeland Security, EEOC Appeal No. Agency defense counsel may assist agency management officials and witnesses in the preparation of their affidavits during the investigative stage but may not instruct officials to make statements that are untrue or make changes to any affidavit without the affiant's approval of such changes; agency defense counsel also may assist agencies in informal resolution talks during the counseling stage so long as counsel suggests, but does not dictate, settlement terms. Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. Aida E., et al v. Dep't of Agriculture, EEOC Appeal Nos. 0120180137 (Apr. U.S. Postal Service: Further Analysis Could Help Identify Opportunities 2019004326 (Sept. 30, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019004326.pdf. Here are answers to some questions that have been presented by a number of the class members: What if I move or change my contact information? Thus the Commission limited its award of attorney fees to $1,000 based on an hourly rate of $250 per hour rather than the requested amount of $5,094.73. She further alleged the USPS retaliated against her for prior EEO action from 2005-2006. 2020001428 (Aug. 13, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2020001428.pdf. While the parties may voluntarily settle a claim early in the process or wait until the EEOC completes . workers that this case involved. 2019002953 (Jan. 27, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_08_10/2019002953.pdf. 0120170362 (Feb. 21, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120170362.pdf. The Agency discriminated against Complainant based on sex when, shortly after she informed her supervisor of her pregnancy, he began to scrutinize her activities while she teleworked and to make cumbersome requests. The suit alleges that the USPS routinely harassed and discriminated against injured workers and refused to provide reasonable accommodations to workers who had become disabled as a result of their injuries. 0120170218 (Dec. 21, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120170218.txt. 0120181502 (Sept. 17, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120181502.pdf. information only on official, secure websites. Ruben T. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. Postal workers in the US and worldwide cannot allow their struggles to be trapped within the realm of the labor unions and capitalist parties any longer. 0120090062 (9/21/10). Published: July 20, 2016. 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) Lara G. v Postmaster General, EEOC Req. 2020001922 (May 24, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_08_31/2020001922.pdf. 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) If it is found that you meet the legal criteria for reinstatement, the Judge can order USPS to give you back the job you held before the NRP.