Feds Cut Way Back On Probes Of Worker Harassment, Discrimination Cases

When it comes to enforcing the nation's labor laws, the agency responsible for investigating charges of discrimination and harassment has no shortage of work. Workers routinely file complaints with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which then investigates them and decides whether to bring suit against employers on workers' behalf.

During the past seven months or so, however, the EEOC has begun taking a leaner approach, filing far fewer lawsuits. In fiscal 2012, which ended Sept. 30, the agency brought just 122 cases, according to the Seyfarth Shaw law firm, less than half the 261 cases it filed during the previous fiscal year.