Summary

Although exact payment figures are not readily available, GAO found that federal agencies and the Judgment Fund paid at least $87.4 million to federal workers and their attorneys since fiscal year 1989 as a result of federal equal employment opportunity cases. Of that about, $30.6 million was paid in fiscal years 1993 and 1994. Much of the $87.4 million was back pay to federal employees. However, at least $30.5 million was for attorney fees and costs. Of that amount, about $8.7 million was paid in fiscal years 1993 and 1994.

GAO found that: (1) since fiscal year 1989, federal agencies and the Judgment Fund have paid at least $89.4 million to federal employees and their attorneys to settle employment discrimination complaints; (2) federal agencies paid about $30.6 million of that amount in FY 1993 and 1994; (3) most of the payments consisted of back pay to federal employees, but at least $30.5 million was for attorney fees and costs; and (4) federal agencies paid about $8.7 million in attorneys' fees and costs in FY 1993 and 1994.