EEOC issues sanctions against federal agency. Complainant filed an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of race (Black) and sex (female) based on management’s treatment of her. Following the initial investigation Complainant requested a hearing, during which she raised the issue of sanctions for the Agency’s failure to comply with the investigation. Following the hearing the Administrative Judge (AJ) issued a finding of no discrimination. The Agency issued its final order adopting the AJ’s findings, and Complainant appealed.
On appeal, the EEOC’s Office of Federal Operations (OFO) disagreed with the AJ and noted that the Agency only began its investigation after Complainant requested a hearing, and provided no explanation for its failure to investigate the complaint in a timely manner. The OFO granted the sanctioned the Agency for its failure to conduct a timely investigation. However, Complainant was not entitled to individual relief.
Harriet M. v. Dep’t of Defense, EEOC Appeal No. 0120141484 (Jan. 30, 2017) https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/decisions/0120141484.txt
Attorney Kirk J. Angel represents federal employee throughout the United States in EEOC and MSPB hearings.