In the past months, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has been cracking down on California employers who received multiple complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation by filing suit designed to remedy and punish repeated violations.
The EEOC is not alone here, as the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is also filing suit against large in-state employers who engage in patterns and practices that result in violation of civil rights laws.
Employers should pay extra attention to the requirements of the Government Code which mandate training in the prevention of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Employers can prevent claims by ensuring that the reporting and investigation of incidents is handled using best practices in a timely and proper manner.
Enforcement actions are on the riseāmake sure you are well equipped to address issues well in advance of litigation.