A few weeks ago, we looked at the total number of EEOC charges filed with the agency from 1997-2011. The charge numbers for 2012 just came in and as expected, the total numbers have dropped – but by an almost imperceptible amount. Here is the updated chart:

The total number of charges filed in 2011 was 99,947.  For those with magnifying glasses, this fell in 2012 by a little more than 500 to 99,412.  Looking at the chart as a whole, it is clear that the pattern of total charges reflects the ebb and flow of the larger economy.  However, another point that is clear is that the pace of the reduction in charges from their peak in 2010 has been considerably slower than in previous economic swings.

Another factor to consider, of course, is the type of claims filed by claimants.  Below you can see how some key types of claims have progressed over time:

The chart shows that retaliation remains the most frequently asserted type of claim (a position it has held since 2010), and that the number of retaliation claims has grown steadily over time – particularly after lurching upward between 2006 and 2008.  Disability and sex claims also have shown steady increases in the number of filings.  Interestingly, age claims have remained relatively flat since 2009, and race claims are trending downward.