My case has been labeled as an A-1 investigation from the EEOC. What does this mean for me? Against my employer?

Thanks,
S. Gotsis

EEOC has three basic categories for cases:

Category A-priority charges to which field offices devote principal investigative and settlement efforts

Category B-charges that appear to have merit but more investigation is needed before a decision can be made on their merits

Category C-charges with with unsupported allegations that are immediately closed

Category A charges are often divided into A-1 or A-2, with A-1 charges seen as those with the most likely success in litigation. Category B charges are usually assigned to the mediation program. So, it sounds like they've found that your complaint is well-founded and will be pursued.

So this means my employer would be smart to settle the case out of court, for I might get a very large settlement from a jury. Right?

No one here can predict possible outcomes.

Thank you for your time and knowledge. :)

How did you find out your case was labeled a-1 by eeoc?

This is how EEOC defines its categorization system:

Category A charge; charge that falls within the national or local enforcement plan and others where further investigation will probably result in a cause finding; includes cases where irreparable harm will result unless processing is expedited.

A1:
Category A-1 charge; possible cause finding with litigation potential; includes cases involving NEP/LEP issues and other cases worth developing for litigation; under PCHP, such cases are to receive priority over all others in development.

A2:
Category A-2 charge; possible cause finding without litigation potential for EEOC; case may involve an issue which is not on the NEP/LEP, but which is suitable for the private bar; may include cases for which DOJ has litigation responsibility.

B Case:
Category B charge; a charge requiring additional investigation, as resources permit, to determine whether charge should be moved to Category A and given priority status or moved to Category C and dismissed.

C Case:
Category C charge; charge which may be dismissed when office has sufficient information from which to conclude that it is not likely that further investigation will result in a cause finding.

So this means my employer would be smart to settle the case out of court, for I might get a very large settlement from a jury. Right?


EEOC typically isn't interested in settling A-1 charges. EEOC is more concerned with determining whether the employer violated the law and ensuring compliance, if it did. The amount of any potential settlement award depends upon the equitable relief and damages attached to the discrimination, not upon the likelihood of proving discrimination.

I'm new to this. What is NEP/LEP, PCHP and DOJ mean?

NEP/LEP
National Enforcement Plan and Local Enforcement Plan
PCHP
Priority Charge Handling Procedures

DOJ = Department of Justice.

Hi again,

I found out from my attorney that the EEOC had listed it as an A-1 investigation.

Since then, the company settled with me for a good amount! :D

Thanks again for all of your help and information.

S. Gotsis