Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Gabriele G. v. Social Security Administration, EEOC Appeal No. 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) We notified the Judge about this, and argued that this is yet another reason to move this process toward a quick resolution. Miguelina S. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Request No. 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? EEOC Summarizes Policies on Monetary Awards - FEDweek First time EEO efile user? In 2009, an administrative judge awarded back pay with interest and $100,000 in compensatory damages. 19, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_04_30/2021001898.pdf. 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. Moreover, some EEO complaints dated back as far as 2001. 0120141484 (Jan. 30, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120141484.txt. Postal Workers Class Action EEOC Cases Against USPS Complainant entitled to attorney's fees where relief awarded was based on per se reprisal claims that the Administrative Judge sua sponte raised mid-way through the hearing process; attorney's competent representation of Complainant and development of the evidence led directly to the AJ's sua sponte raising of reprisal as a basis. PDF Front page | U.S. Department of the Treasury 0120180192 (Sept. 25, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120180192.pdf. According to the Agency Financial Report for FY 2020, the EEOC successfully resolved 6,272 of the 9,036 mediations conducted. Administrative Judge properly ordered Agency to stop issuing cease-and-desist letters to employees who have reported discrimination, absent clear, documented evidence of some conduct (other than reporting discrimination) that the Agency reasonably concludes would warrant discipline in the absence of the employee's protected activity; issuing Complainant a cease-and-desist letter gave the appearance that Complainant, who complained of ongoing racial and sexual harassment, was just as culpable as her harasser. 3, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120180137.pdf. 1614.108(f) giving the individual the right to elect between a hearing before an EEOC Administrative Judge and an immediate final decision. But these new rules would impose additional requirements on the EEOC that . Injury Compensation (OWCP) | American Postal Workers Union 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@, Including the NRP case, the USPS estimates that it may owe up to $178 million in potential liabilities for pending employment claims. Although Petitioner was entitled to back pay as a component of make-whole relief, she was not entitled to a sum greater than what she would have earned but for her constructive discharge; because her earnings while in active-duty military service between the time of her constructive discharge and her reinstatement exceeded her gross civilian back pay, Petitioner was not entitled to receive back pay. The Average Employee Lawsuit costs $250,000How Safe is your Company? 14, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_08_31/2020005108.pdf. 0520130618 (June 9, 2017) citing thEEOC V. AIC Security Investigations, Inc. 55 F.3d 1276 at 1286 (7 Cir. 4B-140-0062-06). Aida E., et al v. Dep't of Agriculture, EEOC Appeal Nos. Sol W. v. Dep't of Defense, EEOC Appeal No. It is by no accident that our craft is taking positive strides. Cox will be seeking the right to file suit regarding this last EEO complaint and at such time will amend her lawsuit. 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, Selected Noteworthy Federal Sector Appellate Decisions. Arbitration Awards & Settlements | American Postal Workers Union Robin H. v. Environmental Protection Agency, EEOC Appeal No. Sherrie M. v. U.S. USPS Settlement An EEOC Administrative Judge has approved a settlement in the Pittman v. USPS Class Complaint in which the complaint alleged discrimination based on disability against a class of employees in permanent rehabilitation positions, on a nation-wide basis. 0120182095 (June 23, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_08_31/0120182095.pdf. 0120170604 (Mar. 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 settlement provided that USPS will pay, in full settlement of all claims in this Case: The total sum of three-million-eight-hundred-fifty-thousand-dollars ($3,850,000) 2019004252 (Aug. 10, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019004252.pdf. Velva B. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal Nos. In 2009, an administrative judge awarded back pay with interest and $100,000 in compensatory damages. In the case of Sandra McConnell, et al. Alonzo N. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. USPS' average time for completing an investigation was 113 days. Sheila D. v. Dep't of Veterans Affairs, EEOC Petition No. 2 The present-day value of comparable cases is to be considered when determining an award of emotional distress damages. Effective March 26, 2020, the Postal Service reissued its Memorandum of Policy (MOP) HR-03-26-2020-2, Postal Service Policy on Workplace Harassment (see page 1 and page 2 ). Official websites use .gov If you are a federal employee or a USPS employee, you can set a consultation via our website at: http://www.theangellawfirm.com You can get a free consultation (15 minutes) or paid consultation for upto a full one hour. An official website of the United States government. 0120063761 (4/8/08) and ordered the agency to conduct a supplemental investigation on the issue of the complainants entitlement to compensatory damages. Where there is an actionable third-party retaliation, both the employee who engaged in the protected activity and the third party who is subjected to the materially adverse action may state a claim. Antony Z. v. Dep't of the Army, EEOC Request No. Copyright 2023 The Angel Law Firm, PLLC. The Commission found that the Agency complied with the terms of a settlement agreement, including the provision of accepting a letter of resignation from Complainant. 0720170019 (Aug. 3, 2018), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0720170019.txt. I wish i could say that this the full loss to the workers, Calvin D. v. Dep't of the Army, EEOC Petition No. 2019005957 (Apr. This resulted in an award of $15,000 in non-pecuniary damages as the agency claimed that Padilla had not experienced any long-term mental or physical illness nor any emotional harm. Bill A. v. Dep't of the Army, EEOC Appeal No. Agency engaged in per se reprisal when, at the direction of the attorney representing the Agency in Complainants prior EEO complaint, it sent him correspondence requesting the name of his treating physician, asked him to sign a medical release, and proposed conducting a fitness-for-duty examination; the attorney instigated the actions based on statements that Complainant made in the prior EEO proceeding. 15, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_08_31/2019005957.pdf. Eura B. v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, EEOC Appeal No. IV. Summary judgment in favor of Agency inappropriate where AJ abused her discretion in denying Complainant's Motion to Compel and there were genuine issues of material fact concerning whether Agency had a policy or practice of not accommodating pregnant workers while accommodating other categories of workers. The DFEC Web site provides very useful information regarding the claims process. Heidi B. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. Minda W. v. Dep't of the Navy, EEOC Appeal No. 0120151360 (July 28, 2017), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120151360.txt. Merit resolutions refers to charges that are resolved in the agency's administrative process (pre-litigation) in favor of the individual who filed the charge. The ADUS award was the last in a series of four RI-399 craft jurisdiction awards that (This article first appeared in the November/December issue of the American Postal Worker magazine) The Agency provided insufficient evidence to support its dismissal of a complaint, on the basis that Complainant was not an Agency employee, where the record that the Agency submitted contained only the EEO Counselor's Report, the Notice of Right to File a Discrimination Complaint, and the formal complaint; the Agency did not provide any contracts or affidavits from management officials regarding the day-to-day responsibilities and management of Complainant's position. In January 2016, the Postal Service paid $40.2 million to employees; however, it subsequently notified the APWU of errors in these initial payments. PDF U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION Office of Federal - USPS 0120172604 (Apr. Carriers also risk injury from lifting heavy bins, squatting, repeatedly getting in and out of mail trucks, walking up and down stairs, and walking to deliver mail in inclement weather, putting them at greater risk for slips and falls as well as joint injuries. Lauralee C. v. Dep't of Homeland Security, EEOC Appeal No. Removing Complainant from the workplace by placing her on administrative leave did not insulate the Agency from liability for sexual harassment; reassigning the person targeted for harassment is not appropriate corrective action. He was a part of the 130000 I am a member of this class action. Share sensitive International Committee of the Fourth International. Wes S. v. Dep't of Veterans Affairs, EEOC Appeal No. The majority of cases, about 67 percent, are ruled in the plaintiff's favor when taken to litigation. The Cost to your Company. The Commission declined to review the award of $54,403.80 for reimbursement of Padillas withdrawal of funds from his Thrift Savings Plan account to support himself following his removal as neither party challenged this award on appeal. 2019001284 (Aug. 4, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019001284.pdf. 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) 2019004326 (Sept. 30, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_12_07/2019004326.pdf. information only on official, secure websites. Padilla v. USPS, EEOC Appeal No. She alleged that the USPS has subjected her to disability discrimination and harassment. After the 1970 postal workers strike against the federal government, the USPS was formed to replace the US Postal Department, which was funded by Congress, with an organization that was run like a business, but which is not a government-owned corporation. Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. The Post Office is unbelievable in their ability to mistreat their workers. Agency violated the Rehabilitation Act when, after Complainant's physician provided a medical report stating that Complainant's borderline Type II Diabetes Mellitus did not require medication and did not impair his ability to do his job as a Court Security Officer, Agency requested at least 11 additional types of medical information and examinations; a mere diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus does not automatically mean that an agency has a job-related, business-necessity-based reason for subjecting CSOs to disability-related inquiries and medical examinations. An EEOC Administrative Judge has approved a settlement in the Pittman v. USPS Class Complaint in which the complaint alleged discrimination based on disability against a class of employees in permanent rehabilitation positions, on a nation-wide basis. She alleged the USPS had not complied with the EEOC order. 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) 0120162040 (Apr. 0120182681 (Dec. 27, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120182681.pdf. 0120170064 (Feb. 8, 2019), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120170064.pdf. 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. Due to the increasing use of email and the internet for correspondence and document delivery, the volume of first-class mail processed by the USPS declined by 43 percent in 2017 from its peak in 2001. The Agency subjected Complainant to per se reprisal when a manager made statements during a staff meeting that were intended to discourage employees from engaging in protected EEO activity. At the conclusion of the EEO investigation, plaintiff requested a hearing with an Administrative Judge. Administrative Judge's remedial order requiring Agency to develop and adopt policies and procedures concerning the recruitment and selection of employees for non-competitive, temporary positions and to ensure equal opportunity and consideration in the selection process was appropriate. The Postal Service has a comprehensive workplace violence program to identify, review, report, and address employee assaults nationwide. Salvatore K. v. Dep't of Justice, EEOC Appeal No. Particularly useful are their publications "Questions and Answers About . How to Negotiate an EEO Discrimination Settlement 2020003134 (Oct. 15, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_01_19/2020003134.pdf. I have plenty to say, but will hold my peace as it is very disturbing of what the Postal Service did not only to me, but to all Rehab or Injured employees at Van Nuys District. 0120162491 (July 25, 2018), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120162491.pdf. Postal Service (USPS) has agreed to pay nearly $17.3 million to settle allegations that the agency discriminated against employees with disabilities. Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. USPS worker sues for sexual harassment and retaliation v. United States Postal Service an AJ decision certified the following class: 2020002362 (Oct. 1, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_01_19/2020002362.pdf. The four unions which officially represent the postal workersthe American Postal Workers Union, National Association of Letter Carriers, National Postal Mail Handlers Union and National Rural Letter Carriers Associationhave not lifted a finger to mobilize workers to oppose these attacks, including the loss of over 250,000 post office jobs since 1999an almost 28 percent reduction in its workforce. 2020000974 (Feb. 11, 2020), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2020_08_10/2020000974.pdf. 22, 2021), https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/decisions/2021_06_08/2020001154.pdf. The more inherently degrading or humiliating the defendants action is, the more reasonable to infer that a person would suffer humiliation or distress from that action. Buck S. v. United States Postal Service, EEOC Appeal No. Current Developments | NRP Class Action PDF EEOC Awards of Emotional Distress Damages Over $100,000 The USPS is an independent agency of the federal government that receives no tax dollars, and is the second-largest employer in the US behind Walmart.