USA (Transatlantic Today) – Due to a financial shortage, the government watchdog organization that protects American workers from discrimination intends to furlough every employee for one day this month. This notice affected about 2,200 employees, which was sent out this week. On August 30, they may take up to eight hours of unpaid leave.
Budget shortfalls and measures
The EEOC attributed the walkout to “mandatory and inflationary budget increases” that were not offset by congressional appropriations, which stood at $455 million in 2023. Despite efforts to reduce costs through programme cuts and a hiring freeze, the agency expects spending to exceed its approved budget. If further work stoppages are necessary, additional notices will be issued.
Impact on Discrimination Complaints
The EEOC handles thousands of discrimination complaints annually, securing monetary settlements and employment agreements. In the previous year, the agency facilitated $665 million in relief and filed 143 discrimination lawsuits. The furlough is expected to exacerbate existing delays in processing these complaints due to staff shortages.
According to USAToday, The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents EEOC employees, expressed concern over the furlough. Council 216 President Rachel Shonfield described it as an “unfortunate result” of budget constraints, highlighting that workers facing discrimination will experience longer wait times for assistance. The union has called for increased remote work flexibility to help reduce operating costs.
Budget and Operational Challenges
In fiscal year 2024, federal employees received a 5.2% pay increase, which was unfunded and contributed to the EEOC’s financial challenges. Additionally, fewer staff departures than expected and substantial increases in security, rent, and critical contract costs have strained the budget. In response, EEOC leadership has implemented hiring limitations, operating budget cuts, eliminated training funds, reduced travel, and delayed construction projects.
In 2021, USA TODAY reported on staff shortages and pressures within the EEOC, including quick case closures and employee reprimands related to speaking out on Black Lives Matter. EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows stated that she will keep pushing for sufficient financing to meet public demand and uphold anti-discrimination rules. The website and public interface will continue to function even though all EEOC offices will close to the public on August 30 if the furlough is implemented. This will be the first non-government shutdown-related furlough for the EEOC since 2013.
