Job bias claims based on disability, religion rise

By SAM HANANEL Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of workers claiming job discrimination based on disability, religion and national origin surged to new highs last year.

Overall, federal job bias complaints stayed at near-record levels.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says charges of disability discrimination rose by about 10 percent, the largest increase of any category.

The increase coincided with changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act last year that made it easier for people with epilepsy, diabetes and other treatable conditions to claim disability.

Overall, the EEOC received more than 93,000 discrimination claims during the 2009 fiscal year, a 2 percent decrease from the record set in 2008.