Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Local 638 ... Local 28 of the Sheet Metal Workers' International Ass'n
This opinion addresses backpay claims in an employment discrimination case spanning over two decades. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) represents black and Hispanic workers against Local 28 of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association and its Joint Apprenticeship Committee, alleging discriminatory admission practices. The court denied defendants' motions to dismiss the backpay claims, rejecting arguments regarding settlement, prosecutorial delay, inadequate discovery, and notice-of-claim deadlines. It also found defendants failed to prove claimants were unqualified or failed to mitigate damages by joining the armed forces or attending school. Furthermore, the court clarified prejudgment interest rates to be applied and affirmed the administrator's decision regarding claimant Charles Moss, directing further proceedings on defendants' financial capacity and revised backpay calculations.