EEOC Would Cease Most Operations During Potential Government Shutdown

Except for intake of discrimination charges and appeals, evaluation of any charges that might necessitate a temporary retraining order or other immediate relief, and work on on-going litigation for which an extension has not been granted, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) would essentially cease operations during the looming government shutdown. As discussed in the agency’s contingency plan in the event of lapsed appropriations, should a federal government shutdown occur:

• Staff will not be available to answer questions from the public, or to respond to correspondence from the public.
• While the EEOC will accept charges that must be filed in order to preserve the rights of a claimant during a shutdown, these charges will not be investigated.
• Insofar as the courts grant EEOC’s requests for extensions of time, EEOC will not litigate in the federal courts.
• Mediations will be cancelled.
• Federal sector hearings will be cancelled, and federal employees’ appeals of discrimination complaints will not be decided.
• Outreach and education events will be cancelled.
• No FOIA requests will be processed.

The agency estimates that out of approximately 2,600 EEOC employees, about 131 staff and contract personnel, many part-time or on call, will perform the agency’s limited functions.