DO NOT APPROVE EEOC’S RESTRUCTURING PLAN,

ENSURE THE PUBLIC’S ACCESS TO ADEQUATELY STAFFED EEOC OFFICES

Urgent Message: Please Deliver Immediately

To: To: ________________________________

Fax No. _________________________

From: _________________________________

Address: _________________________

_________________________________

On July 8, 2005, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted in favor of a restructuring plan, which if implemented would: downgrade offices; burden other EEOC offices by expanding coverage without adding staff; and diminish EEOC legal units in areas with high minority populations. Also, the restructuring plan exports responsibility for many states's civil rights enforcement to an office out-of-state. EEOC has now sent its restructuring plan to Congress for approval.

Since 2001, EEOC has lost over 500 employees, which is 15% of the workforce. EEOC’s backlog of pending cases is exploding. Downgrading offices will mean even less dedicated EEOC employees and resources will be available to serve victims of employment discrimination. It will also mean longer wait times to resolve civil rights violations.

Here is how you can stand up for civil rights:

(1) Do not approve EEOC’s restructuring plan;

(2) Support Senate Appropriations Committee language, which diminishes the impact of the plan; and

(3) Insist on additional appropriations language, which calls for the backfilling of vacancies created through voluntary terminations, e.g., retirement.

Thank you for helping to ensure that all Americans have access to help from the EEOC when their civil rights are violated.

Sincerely,