OFCCP Settles Charges of Racial Discrimination with Defense Contractor

Source: Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

OFCCP has reached an agreement with a leading cargo handling defense contractor to settle allegations of hiring discrimination based on race involving 48 African American and 21 Caucasian job applicants who were rejected for positions at the company’s cargo facility in Houston.

In 2006, the company was cited for failing to implement an applicant tracking system for new hires and failing to develop and execute action-oriented programs to recruit women and African Americans. OFCCP found the company was giving preferential treatment to Latino applicants and systematically discriminating against African-Americans and Caucasians seeking longshoreman jobs.

The company has agreed to pay $219,000 in back wages and interest to the affected job seekers as well as make 17 job offers available to members of the original class as longshoreman positions become available.

"This settlement should put all federal contractors on notice that, in the Obama administration, we will be persistent when it comes to rooting out workplace discrimination and that we will vigilantly monitor employers who violate the law until they get it right," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu.

Workplace discrimination claims are at an all time high. Now is the time to protect your company and your contracts. For the latest anti-discrimination training and information, please contact Berkshire Associates at 800.882.8904 or email bai@berkshireassociates.com.