CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILITY DISCRIMINATION AND THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION (EEOC) GUIDELINES.

In May of 2007 in response to a perceived "potential for greater discrimination against working parents and others with caregiving responsibilities", the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued new enforcement guidance addressing Unlawful Disparate Treatment of Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities (EEOC-A, 2007). On April 22, 2009, the EEOC issued additional guidance to employers, Employer Best Practices for Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities, offering "proactive measures that go beyond federal nondiscrimination requirements" (EEOC B, 2009). These guidelines are designed to reduce employers' exposure to litigation for "violations against caregivers, and to remove barriers to equal employment opportunity" (EEOC B, 2009). This paper examines the initial guidance provided by the EEOC with respect to individuals with caregiving responsibilities, the recent court cases involving the issue, and the best practices suggestions recently issued by the EEOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]