PERAC Memo #29 - 2001: Status reports on settlement in EEOC v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts et al.

Status reports on settlement in EEOC v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts et al.

Summary

This memo sets a July 10, 2001 deadline for all retirement boards to submit mandatory status reports directly to the EEOC regarding the EEOC v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts settlement, regardless of whether any applications were received. Boards must send: (1) an affidavit confirming letters were sent to potentially eligible individuals with a copy of the letter, and (2) either a spreadsheet detailing any applicants' status (approvals, denials, medical panel scheduling) or a letter confirming no applicants. Boards with applicants must file an additional follow-up report three months after July 10, 2001.

Full Text

PERAC MEMO #29/2001

M E M O R A N D U M TO: All Retirement Boards FROM: Joseph E. Connarton, Executive Director RE: Status reports on settlement in EEOC v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts et al.

DATE: May 3, 2001

As provided in PERAC Memo #40/2000, all retirement boards are required to provide a status report on the processing of applications submitted pursuant to the settlement in EEOC v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts et al. After consulting with the EEOC, it has been decided that the six months status reports will be due to the EEOC on July 10, 2001. This status report is mandatory whether or not a board has had any applicants. If your board sent the required letters to the potentially eligible individuals by the due date in Memo #40, then July 10, 2001 will be more than 180 days after the letters should have been received by those individuals (180 days after receipt of the letter is the time limit for applying under this settlement).

All boards should send the following directly to the EEOC at the address listed below.

A copy of the affidavit stating that letters were sent to all individuals on the Potentially Eligible Individuals list prepared as a part of this settlement (the list previously sent to PERAC). One copy of the letter which was sent to all such individuals should be attached. See PERAC Memo #8/2001 for more information.
A spreadsheet which lists the names of any individuals who applied for accidental disability retirement under the settlement, whether the individuals’ applications have been approved or denied, and the status of the applications (including whether medical panels has been requested and/or scheduled). If a board has had no applicants by July 10, 2001, a letter stating so will be sufficient. If an application filed under this settlement is denied, a copy of the standard denial letter must be sent to the EEOC.

For boards which sent the required letters to the potentially eligible individuals by the due date and which have had no applicants on July 10, 2001, this will end the reporting requirements (unless a late filed application which meets the requirements of the settlement is filed). For boards with applicant(s), an additional report will be due three months after July 10, 2001.
M E M O R A N D U M - Page Two TO: All Retirement Boards FROM: Joseph E. Connarton, Executive Director RE: Status reports on settlement in EEOC v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts et al. DATE: May 3, 2001

Additionally, any board which sent the required letters less than six months before July 10, 2001 (i.e. many of the boards which received extensions) will still be required to submit this status report by July 10, 2001. Such boards will need to send an updated report three months later.

Status reports must be sent directly to:

Markus Penzel, Esq. EEOC
JFK Federal Building, Room 475 Government Center Boston, MA 02203

Thank you again for your assistance in this matter. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact this office.