Behind Schedule

During the 1990s, processing times for discrimination claims ballooned and case backlogs grew rapidly. The increased use of alternative dispute resolution has helped reduce delays and backlogs.

EEOC Hearing Requests

• 1991 - 5,773
• 1999 - 12,637
• 2003 - 9,918

Discrimination Complaints Filed

• 1991 - 17,696
• 1999 - 26,657
• 2002 - 21,945
• 2003 - 20,266

Cases Backlogged at Agencies

• 1991 - 16,964
• 1999 - 35,002
• 2002 - 32,150

Hearing Requests Backlogged at EEOC

• 1991 - 3,147
• 1999 - 12,808
• 2003 - 8,467

Final Agency Decisions

• 1991 - 341 days
• 1998 - 384
• 2002 - 418
• 2003 - 541

EEOC Hearings

• 1991 - 173 days
• 1998 - 320
• 2003 - 421

Appeals to the EEOC Office of Federal Operations:

• 1991 - 109 days
• 1998 - 473
• 2002 - 467
• 2003 - 285

Source: EEOC