EEOC sues Scottsdale, Chandler companies over data reporting

PHOENIX — Two Arizona firms are being sued in federal court by the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission over paperwork violations.

In one legal action, the EEOC sued Taylor Morrison Inc. It accuses the Scottsdale-based firm, one of the largest home building companies in the United States, of failing to file reports in 2021 and 2022 that provide a breakdown of employees by demographic categories.

That report, according to the federal regulatory agency, is required of all private-sector employers with 100 or more workers.

A separate lawsuit levels identical charges against Erickson Framing Operations. That firm, based in Chandler, provides pre-built frame segments for residential development.

In total, there were 15 companies across the nation that were sued, with companies including not just construction but also firms in retail, restaurant, manufacturing, logistics and service industries.

According to the EEOC, the data collected on the EEO-1 reports includes workforce information by job category and sex, race, or ethnicity. This workforce demographic data is used for a variety of purposes including enforcement, analytics and research, and employer self-assessment.

Karla Gilbride, the agency’s general counsel, said what makes that important is it ensures compliance with Title VII, a provision of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

“Not only did Congress authorize the EEOC to collect this data, Congress also authorized the agency to go to court to obtain compliance when employers ignore their obligation to provide the required information.” Gilbride said in a prepared statement.

EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows said this is about more than collecting information.

“The data help the agency focus its resources, identify potential discrimination, and refine its investigations,” she said in her statement. “As we commemorate this year’s 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the EEOC remains committed to using all our tools to remedy discrimination and fulfill the promise of equal opportunity in our nation’s civil rights laws.”

“We are aware of the recent lawsuit,” responded Erin Kristick who handles media relations for Taylor Morrison. “Our team is diligently working to rectify and ensure we are aligned with EEO-1 requirements.”

According to Builder Online, Taylor Morrison is the seventh largest home construction firm based on its 11,495 closing in 2023. The web site says the company, which operates in the South and West, had 2023 gross revenues of $7.2 billion.

There was no immediate response from Erickson Framing.

Aside from filing the required missing reports, the companies are facing another deadline. Employment reports for 2023 are due this coming Tuesday.