What Is a Holding Pattern in the EEOC?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ensures that American employers comply with civil rights and labor laws that safeguard people's rights to work. The EEOC is particularly concerned with hiring and workplace discrimination based on gender, race, national origin, religion, age and disability. Those who believe they have faced such discrimination can complain to the EEOC, which in turn investigates employers and when appropriate, sanctions them. However, the commission cannot handle all complaints and issues promptly.
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Holding Pattern
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Literally, a holding pattern is a flight path air traffic controllers assign a plane to keep them near an airport while waiting to land. Often, holding patterns are circular and used when an airport is very busy or has security issues. However, the term has made its way into business and everyday vernacular where it means a person or issue has been put on hold or delayed.
Insufficient Resources
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Because of federal budget restrictions and high demand for services, the EEOC lacks the staff to quickly process all cases. As a result, some complaints become delayed or backlogged. These can sometimes be referred to as being "in a holding pattern."
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Obstacles
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Investigations of all types sometimes encounter obstacles and road blocks. Occasionally, for reasons beyond their control, investigators have to wait on another person or event. Examples include waiting for files to arrive, a key witness to come back from vacation, security clearance and even a court injunction. When EEOC investigators are stalled on a case, they may say they have been put "in a holding pattern."
Authority
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Like most government agencies, the EEOC is a bureaucracy with multiple layers of authority and command. Occasionally, complaints and cases require special resources or considerations that require higher level review. A case worker awaiting approval or direction can find herself in a "holding pattern." The same also can be true in cases where the EEOC must collaborate with other government agencies or entities.
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