Month: April 2022

Today we heard from EEOC Administrative Judge regarding the ongoing effort to compile claims information in an excel format. In particular, Judge Roberts-Draper indicated that she reviewed all the information submitted and ultimately ordered the parties to each submit certain information about claimants in an excel spreadsheet. In particular, Phase 1 Class Counsel is responsible for providing updated contact information, including address, telephone number and email address, as well as whether an indication of any deceased claimants. The Agency is responsible for providing the remainder of the information, which includes but is not limited to: date of hire; separation date; separation reason; and which claims are alleged by claimant and which claims the Agency disputes. All information is ordered to be produced to Judge Roberts-Draper on or before Wednesday, June 8, 2022.

Additionally, Judge Roberts-Draper also scheduled a status conference with the Agency and Phase 1 Class Counsel for May 12, 2022 at 11:00 am. An update will be provided following the May 12, 2022 status conference.

Following the EEOC Administrative Judge’s request, the parties each provided additional information to assist in the process to evaluate claimant relief. Since providing the requested information, we have not yet heard back from the EEOC Administrative Judge, but based on the last conference, we expect to hear from her in the coming weeks.

We have received many inquiries as to whether the EEOC Administrative Judge intends to utilize the assistance of special masters.During the March 4, 2022 conference with the EEOC Administrative Judge, she indicated that the special master issue is still under “advisement.” We understand this to mean that her in-depth questioning regarding the Postal Service’s access to certain information will assist her in determining the best and most efficient path forward, including as to whether special masters should be utilized. As mentioned in our March 4, 2022 update, the EEOC Administrative Judge was joined at the last conference by an EEOC data person, as well as another Administrative Judge. We are hopeful that these additional resources will assist the Administrative Judge in the evaluation of the more than 28,000 claims that were filed.

Please continue to check our website for updates in the coming weeks.