From AP/ABC News, EEOC press release, EEOC data:

New federal statistics show the the number of workers claiming job discrimination based on disability rose to a new record in fiscal 2009. Statistics released by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission showed that charges of disability discrimination rose by ten percent to 21,451 claims, the largest increase in any category.

Complaints claiming discrimination based on religion or national origins also surged to record highs last year. “Equal employment opportunity remains elusive for far too many workers and the Commission will continue to fight for their right,” said the commission’s acting chairman, Stuart Ishimaru. “Employers must step up their efforts to foster discrimination-free and inclusive workplaces, or risk enforcement and litigation by the EEOC.”

The increase in disability bias claims coincided with the economic downturn and changes in the Americans with Disabilities Act that significantly broaden protections for people with disabilities.

Overall, the EEOC received more than 93,000 employment discrimination claims in fiscal 2009.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 1:53 pm and is filed under ADA, NOT2BEMISSED, discrimination, employment/jobs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.