To make a long story very short, I am a female in a predominantly male workplace (95%) who was denied a promotion. I successfully performed all duties of the job on an assignment basis (union member) while waiting for the position to be formalized. I worked in an extremely hostile environment and was promised the position if I just "kept my eye on the prize at the end - promotion & nice big raise." This promise was made by the hiring manager.
Obviously since I am writing here, I did not get the job. It was instead given to an inexperienced male, also a union member. I filed with EEOC in Nov. 2006. I was recently told by EEOC that my case is #20 out of 83 cases. I am in NC.
My immediate questions are:
Do I need to hire an attorney or will EEOC make some type of ruling?
I have witness statements. Can they face retaliation/be terminated?
I can show prima facie. Will I need this at this stage in the process?
What else will I need?
I guess the bottom line is I've been waiting so long but am not sure what I'm waiting for... if I only stand to get "right to sue" letter, how should I proceed?
Thanks for any help about the rest of the process... I'm confused at this point.

