Workplace Justice Victory: EEOC Secures Record $700M for Discrimination Victims in

Workplace justice achieved a historic victory recently with EEOC securing nearly $700 million for victims of employment discrimination - a 5% increase over 2023 and the highest monetary recovery in recent history.

The landmark total included $469.6 million for 13,516 private sector and state/local government workers through mediation and settlements, plus $190+ million for 3,041 federal employees and $40+ million for 4,304 litigation victims.

Demand for EEOC services surged dramatically: 88,531 new discrimination charges (9.2% increase), 248,255 field office inquiries (6.2% increase), and 553,000 contact center calls (6% increase) showing widespread workplace discrimination.

Disability discrimination dominated enforcement: EEOC filed 48 cases (almost half of all litigation) on behalf of workers with disabilities, including suing UPS for discriminating against deaf individuals in hiring practices.

The agency filed 110 workplace discrimination lawsuits total, emphasizing emerging issues and vulnerable workers through 13 new systemic pattern/practice cases, 5 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act cases, and 5 sexual harassment cases protecting teenage workers.

Age discrimination cases included 7 ADEA lawsuits, while the agency maintained focus on harassment prevention and response despite May 2025 Texas federal court ruling that vacated portions of EEOC harassment guidance nationwide.

However, workplace surveillance and AI discrimination concerns are rising, with employers increasingly using algorithmic management and electronic monitoring that may violate worker rights and privacy.

These record settlements prove workplace discrimination enforcement works when properly funded and staffed, but growing complaint volume shows systemic workplace injustice requires sustained organizing and stronger legal protections.