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Washington, D.C.—Dramatic changes proposed by the head of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) would seriously impact the ability of federal employees to work in an environment free of discrimination, the leader of the nation’s largest independent union of federal employees charged today.

At a press conference outside the downtown headquarters of the EEOC, President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) joined representatives of other federal unions and equal opportunity groups in criticizing the intended actions of EEOC Chair Cari Dominguez.

The Dominguez proposals would strip from federal employees “the ability to fairly and efficiently resolve claims of discrimination,” President Kelley said, adding they would provide federal employees with fewer rights than private sector workers, would discourage settlement of EEOC claims and would eliminate information gathering opportunities in the administrative process.

“This is a concern of the highest level for NTEU,” she said, emphasizing that the EEOC head had moved forward with the proposals without consultations with federal employee representatives, Congress, other stakeholders in the EEOC process—“and even without consultation with the other commissioners of the EEOC.”

Noting that Dominguez is seeking to move ahead without going through federal rulemaking procedures, Kelley said “NTEU would not stand for a daylight attack on our members’ civil rights, and we certainly are not going to stand for a sneak attack in the dark of night.”

While most cases before the EEOC are settled during the investigation process or on the eve a hearing, President Kelley said the Dominguez proposals would “all but eliminate” a federal agency’s incentive to settle. At the same time, they would put a substantial burden on employees who would have to go to court “to obtain discovery of even the most basic information” with which to pursue a discrimination claim against his or her agency.

“The proposals put federal employees in a significantly worse position than private sector employees,” Kelley said.

As the largest independent federal union, NTEU represents some 150,000 employees in 25 agencies and department.