The workplace should be a friendly environment that is accepting of all employees, no matter their differences in characteristics. Employees in Minnesota and other states in the country are aware of their employment rights. If circumstances arise that relate to employment discrimination or harassment, employees are afforded the right to report these situation and even file a cause of action for damages related to the incident.
With regards to discrimination based on disabilities, it was reported early this year that disability discrimination claims and complaints have decreased. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, also known as the the EEOC, the number of job biased complaints related to disability has fallen.
During the fiscal year of 2014, roughly 88,778 complaints regarding discrimination were received. Of those filed complaints, approximately 25,369 claims were related to disability discrimination. That is down several hundred from the previous year, which was recorded to be 25,957.
According to the EEOC, of those claims filed last year, approximately 4,981 resulted in favorable outcomes for the employees that brought forth their claims. Officials reported that of those with favorable outcomes, over $95 million in compensation was recovered for the harms suffered due to harassment because of disabilities.
For employees enduring disability discrimination or any other form or harassment or discrimination in the workplace, it is important that you understand your rights. Even though the rate of some discrimination claims have fallen over the past year, these unfortunate events still occur in the workplace. Victims of employment discrimination may be able to file an action, which could result in compensation being awarded for their losses and damages.
Source: Disability Scoop, “EEOC Reports Fewer Disability Discrimination Claims,” Shaun Heasley, Feb. 11, 2015