OFCCP Settles Charges of Racial Discrimination with Houston-Based Defense Contractor JacintoPort

News Release

OFCCP News Release: [01/12/2012]
Contact Name: Elizabeth Todd or Juan Rodriguez
Phone Number: (972) 850-4710 or x4709
Release Number: 12-15-DAL

US Labor Department settles charges of racial discrimination with Houston-based defense contractor JacintoPort

Agreement includes $219,000 in back wages and interest for 69 African-American and Caucasian applicants plus job offers for some

HOUSTON —The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs today announced that government contractor JacintoPort International LLC has agreed to settle allegations of hiring discrimination on the basis of race involving 48 African-American and 21 Caucasian job applicants who were rejected for longshoreman positions at the company’s cargo facility in Houston.

“In this day and age, it is shocking that any company would allow race to be a factor in determining who gets hired,” said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. “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 will vigilantly monitor employers who violate the law until they get it right.”

OFCCP previously cited JacintoPort for violating requirements of Executive Order 11246 by failing to implement an applicant tracking system for new hires, and to develop and execute action-oriented programs to recruit women and African-Americans. That matter was settled on June 6, 2006, with a conciliation document in which JacintoPort agreed to correct the violations and produce semiannual reports on the company’s progress in employing women and minorities.

In reviewing those progress reports, OFCCP investigators found that the company was giving preferential treatment to Latino applicants and systematically discriminating against African-Americans and Caucasians seeking longshoreman jobs. Under the terms of the latest conciliation agreement, JacintoPort will pay $219,000 in back wages and interest to the affected individuals, and make 17 job offers to members of the original class as longshoreman positions become available. In addition, JacintoPort has agreed to undertake extensive self-monitoring measures to ensure that all hiring practices fully comply with the law, including record-keeping requirements.

JacintoPort, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shawnee Mission, Kan.-based Seaboard Corp., currently holds more than $1.2 million in contracts to store and transport cargo for the Defense Commissary Agency.

In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. As amended, these three laws require those who do business with the federal government, both contractors and subcontractors, to follow the fair and reasonable standard that they not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. For general information, call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp.

OFCCP Proposed Rule for Americans with Disabilities

News Release

OFCCP News Release: [12/08/2011]
Contact Name: Laura McGinnis or Mike Trupo
Phone Number: (202) 693-4653 or x6588
Release Number: 11-1614-NAT

US Labor Department seeks to improve job opportunities for Americans with disabilities by setting historic hiring goal for federal contractors and subcontractors

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing a new rule that would require federal contractors and subcontractors to set a hiring goal of having 7 percent of their workforces be people with disabilities, among other requirements. The department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs invites public comment on this proposal, which will be published in the Dec. 9 edition of the Federal Register.

OFCCP’s proposed rule would strengthen the affirmative action requirements established in Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 obligating federal contractors and subcontractors to ensure equal employment opportunities for qualified workers with disabilities. The proposed regulatory changes detail specific actions contractors must take in the areas of recruitment, training, record keeping and policy dissemination — similar to those that have long been required to promote workplace equality for women and minorities. In addition, the rule would clarify OFCCP’s expectations for contractors by providing specific guidance on how to comply with the law.

“This proposed rule represents one of the most significant advances in protecting the civil rights of workers with disabilities since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “President Obama has demonstrated a commitment to people with disabilities. This proposed rule would help federal contractors better fulfill their legal responsibility to hire qualified workers with disabilities.”

Although Section 503 regulations have been in place for decades, the current unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 13 percent, 1 1/2 times the rate of those without disabilities. Even more discouraging, data published last week by the department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics show stark disparities facing working-age individuals with disabilities, with 79.2 percent outside the labor force altogether, compared to 30.5 percent of those without disabilities.

“For nearly 40 years, the rules have said that contractors simply need to make a ‘good faith’ effort to recruit and hire people with disabilities. Clearly, that’s not working,” said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. “Our proposal would define specific goals, require real accountability and provide the clearest possible guidance for employers seeking to comply with the law. What gets measured gets done. And we’re in the business of getting things done.”

Establishing a 7 percent hiring goal for the employment of individuals with disabilities would be a tool for contractors to measure the effectiveness of their affirmative action efforts and thereby inform their decision-making. The proposed rule also would enhance data collection and record-keeping requirements — including for documentation and processing of requests for reasonable accommodation — in order to improve accountability. Additionally, it would ensure annual self-reviews of employers’ recruitment and outreach efforts, and add a new requirement for contractors to list job openings to increase their pools of qualified applicants.

To read the notice of proposed rulemaking or submit a comment, visit the federal e-rulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Comments also can be submitted by mail to Debra Carr, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, U.S. Department of Labor, Room C-3325, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20210. All comments must be received by Feb. 7, 2012, and should include identification number (RIN) 1250-AA02.

In addition to Section 503, OFCCP enforces Executive Order 11246 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. As amended, these three laws require those who do business with the federal government, both contractors and subcontractors, to follow the fair and reasonable standard that they take affirmative action and not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. For general information, call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.

OFCCP Files Complaint Against Brunswick Corp. and Lund Boat Co. for Sex Discrimination

News Release

OFCCP News Release: [12/01/2011]
Contact Name: Scott Allen or Rhonda Burke
Phone Number: (312) 353-6976 or x4807
Release Number: 11-1625-CHI

US Labor Department files complaint against Brunswick Corp. and Lund Boat Co. for sex discrimination at Minnesota manufacturing plant

More than 200 women applicants affected; complaint seeks back wages, job opportunities

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is suing federal contractor Brunswick Corp. and Lund Boat Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary. In an administrative complaint filed today with the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges, OFCCP asserts that the companies systematically discriminated against more than 200 women who applied for entry-level positions at Lund’s boat manufacturing plant in New York Mills, Minn.

“Representatives from Lund have argued that women were less likely to be hired than men because of a preference for workers with manufacturing experience,” said Solicitor of Labor M. Patricia Smith. “However, OFCCP’s investigation found that even women with this type of experience were less likely to be hired than men without it. That’s not fair. It’s not right. And it’s against the law.”

Under Executive Order 11246, federal contractors are required to ensure that qualified job applicants receive equal consideration for employment without regard to their sex. OFCCP’s complaint requests that Lund and Brunswick provide financial remedies — including lost wages, interest and benefits — to the women affected by the discriminatory practices. Furthermore, the agency asks that job offers be extended to at least 27 women in the original group of applicants. Finally, the suit asks that the companies be prohibited from extending or modifying current government contracts and from entering into future contracts until they have remedied these violations.

“Brunswick’s Chairman and CEO, Dustan McCoy, has stated a commitment to acting ethically,” said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. “By his own words, ‘Acting ethically simply means that we do what is right in all situations.’ So, we ask him now to do what is right for the women who sought a fair shot at employment with his company and for the taxpayers who deserve to know that their money is never used to discriminate.”

Based in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick is a leading provider of marine, athletic and recreational products. Lund serves as the corporation’s boat manufacturing division. In the past two years alone, Brunswick held federal contracts totaling almost $23 million with agencies including the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, among others.

In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. As amended, these three laws require those who do business with the federal government, both contractors and subcontractors, follow the fair and reasonable standard that they not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. For general information, call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-397-6251 or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.

OFCCP v. Lund Boat Co. and Brunswick Corp.
Case Number: 2012-OFC-00002

OFCCP Files Complaint Against Cargill Meat Solutions for Discrimination

News Release

OFCCP News Release: [11/29/2011]
Contact Name: Elizabeth Todd or Juan Rodriguez
Phone Number: (972) 850-4710 or x4709
Release Number: 11-1648-DAL

US Labor Department files complaint against Cargill Meat Solutions for discrimination at Springdale, Ark., facility

Suit seeks back wages and job offers for more than 4,000 affected job applicants, cancellation of federal contracts

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has filed an administrative complaint against federal contractor Cargill Meat Solutions, alleging that the company systematically discriminated against 4,069 qualified female, white, black, Hispanic and Native American applicants who sought entry-level production jobs at its Springdale facility.

The complaint was filed with the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges after OFCCP was unable to secure a fair resolution from Cargill Meat Solutions to pay back wages and interest to the rejected job applicants and extend job offers to at least 167 of the affected workers. OFCCP is seeking cancellation of Cargill Meat Solutions’ existing government contracts and debarment from entering into future contracts until the company resolves all violations and corrects its discriminatory employment practices.

“This is an unfortunate case in which thousands of qualified workers were denied the opportunity to compete fairly for jobs in a tough economy,” said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. “Cargill has discriminated against vulnerable workers. OFCCP is prepared to use every tool at our disposal, including canceling a company’s federal contracts when necessary, to achieve the goal of equal opportunity for workers.”

OFCCP discovered the company’s discriminatory practices during a scheduled review to determine its compliance with Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of race, national origin or sex when making hiring decisions. The investigation found that the company’s selection criteria were subjectively and inconsistently applied. As a result, women were less likely to be employed in entry-level production jobs, and Asian and Pacific Islander job seekers were unfairly favored over other racial groups.

Cargill Meat Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Cargill Inc., currently holds contracts in excess of $550 million with the U.S. Department of Defense. The Springdale facility processes turkeys for sale under the brand names Honeysuckle White and Riverside.

OFCCP enforces Executive Order 11246, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As amended, these three laws require those who do business with the federal government, both contractors and subcontractors, to follow the fair and reasonable standard that they not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. For general information, call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.

OFCCP v. Cargill Meat Solutions, case number: 2012-OFC-00001

Nishimoto Trading Co. Will Pay $400,000 To Settle OFCCP Sex Discrimination Allegations

News Release

OFCCP News Release: [11/17/2011]
Contact Name: Deanne Amaden or José Carnevali
Phone Number: (415) 625-2630 or x2631
Release Number: 11-1642-SAN

Nishimoto Trading Co. will pay $400,000 to 71 women to settle US Labor Department sex discrimination allegations

Women denied employment at Santa Fe Springs, Calif., branch to receive back pay and job offers

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has reached an agreement with federal contractor Nishimoto Trading Co. to settle findings of hiring discrimination. In a conciliation agreement with the department, Nishimoto will pay $400,000 in back wages and interest to 71 women who were rejected for sales associate positions at the company’s facility in Santa Fe Springs, Calif.

“Those who do business with our government are expected to follow our laws,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “I am pleased the Department of Labor was able to work out a fair settlement with Nishimoto that will guarantee women the right to compete fairly for good jobs.”

Based on a compliance evaluation of the company’s Santa Fe Springs facility conducted by OFCCP’s Los Angeles District Office, investigators determined that Nishimoto failed to ensure qualified job applicants received equal consideration for employment without regard to gender as required by Executive Order 11246. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Nishimoto will extend job offers to 14 women in the original class as sales associate positions become open. The company also has agreed to improve training for personnel involved in the selection process. In addition, Nishimoto must undertake extensive self-monitoring measures to ensure that all hiring practices fully comply with the law and immediately correct any discriminatory practices.

Tokyo, Japan-based Nishimoto operates U.S. branch offices in Atlanta, Ga.; Chicago, Ill.; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colo.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Las Vegas, Nev.; Miramar, Fla.; Phoenix, Ariz.; San Diego and San Francisco, Calif.; Seattle, Wash.; Carlstadt, N.J.; and Elkridge, Md. The company holds federal contracts totaling $1.2 million with the U.S. Department of Defense to sell Asian foods at commissaries.

In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. As amended, these three laws require those who do business with the federal government, both contractors and subcontractors, to follow the fair and reasonable standard that they not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. For general information, call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.

District Court Rules in Favor of OFCCP – United Space Alliance Must Supply Comp Information

News Release

OFCCP News Release: [11/15/2011]
Contact Name: Laura McGinnis or Mike Trupo
Phone Number: (202) 693-4653 or x6588
Release Number: 11-1608-ATL

US district court rules United Space Alliance must give US Labor Department access to information for review of its Cape Canaveral, Fla., facility

Decision supports February ruling by Office of Administrative Law Judges

WASHINGTON — The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has ruled that United Space Alliance LLC must supply the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs with compensation information requested for a review of the company’s Cape Canaveral, Fla., facility. The ruling upholds a Feb. 28 decision by the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges.

“Workplace discrimination is not universal, but it is far too common — and the people who suffer most are the American workers,” said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. “At OFCCP, we are charged with identifying which federal contractors discriminate in their hiring and pay practices, and which are abiding by the law. We cannot serve our mission to protect workers if companies refuse to give us access to the records they promised to keep and share with us when they signed their contracts.”

United Space Alliance, a spaceflight operations company and a joint venture between Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp., holds contracts with NASA worth at least $8 billion dollars.

In 2009, OFCCP asked for information about United Space’s affirmative action program and supporting documents to conduct a scheduled compliance review. The initial review raised questions about the company’s pay practices, leading OFCCP to request additional data and records in order to complete the evaluation. The company refused to provide the records or to allow OFCCP access to its premises to gather the requested information.

In November 2010, the Labor Department’s Office of the Solicitor filed a complaint with the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges alleging denial of access and requesting that United Space Alliance be compelled to comply with the requirements of Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act, as well as permit OFCCP access to its facility and records.

Following a February 2011 hearing, an administrative law judge ruled in favor of OFCCP and issued a recommended decision and order that the company provide access to the requested compensation information within 30 days or be subject to contract suspension, cancellation and debarment. After additional administrative procedures, United Space Alliance sought review of the decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under the Administrative Procedures Act.

In a Nov. 14 decision, Chief Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled in favor of OFCCP on all issues — rejecting every major argument United Space Alliance made — and ordered the contractor to provide the requested documentation. “The [d]epartment has merely required United Space to submit data about its employee compensation,” said Lamberth. “Submission to such lawful investigations is the price of working as a federal contractor.”

Lamberth’s order will become enforceable on Nov. 28.

OFCCP enforces Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. As amended, these three laws require those who do business with the federal government, both contractors and subcontractors, to follow the fair and reasonable standard that they not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. For general information, call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp.

AA Insights Fall 2011 Newsletter – Minor Changes from OFCCP on the “Revised” Scheduling Letter

On September 28, 2011 the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) its “revised” scheduling letter and itemized listing with minor changes to the original submission in May. Contractors will once again have 30 days to submit comments before OMB gives final approval. Until final approval is given, the OFCCP is using the current scheduling letter.

As important as the proposed Itemized Listing is, it is the supporting statement they submitted that provides the rationale for their revisions or lack thereof. To get a sense of the mindset of the OFCCP here is a quote:

Click here to read full newsletter.


OFCCP Signs Conciliation Agreement with Caviness Beef Packers for $600,000 Regarding Hiring Discrimination

News Release

OFCCP News Release: [10/20/2011]
Contact Name: Elizabeth Todd or Juan Rodriguez
Phone Number: (972) 850-4710 or x4709
Release Number: 11-1521-DAL

Federal contractor Caviness Beef Packers agrees to pay $600,000 to applicants to resolve allegations of hiring discrimination

746 applicants in Amarillo and Hereford, Texas, affected

AMARILLO, Texas — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs today announced that federal contractor Caviness Beef Packers Ltd., doing business as Palo Duro Meat Processing Inc. in Amarillo and Caviness Packing Co. in Hereford, has agreed to a settlement resolving findings that the company discriminated against job applicants on the bases of race and gender by rejecting them for positions at the company’s two meat processing facilities.

“The law is clear,” said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. “Discrimination will not be tolerated by employers who profit from lucrative government contracts. We are committed to protecting workers from discrimination, including the hundreds of qualified white, black, Asian and female job seekers involved in this case.”

OFCCP conducted scheduled compliance reviews of both plants, which found that the company had violated Executive Order 11246 by failing to meet its obligations as a federal contractor to ensure that qualified job applicants receive equal consideration for employment without regard to their sex, race, color, religion or national origin. Caviness holds contracts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in excess of $20 million.

Under the conciliation agreement, Amarillo-based Caviness Beef Packers will pay $600,000 to the 746 identified class members, including back wages and interest, and extend at least 81 offers of employment as positions become available. Additionally, the company agreed to revise its selection process for production positions to avoid future violations of its equal employment opportunity obligations.

In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP’s legal authority exists under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. As amended, these three laws hold those who do business with the federal government, both contractors and subcontractors, to the fair and reasonable standard that they not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

For general information, call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-397-6251. Additional information also is available at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.

US Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy announces 2011 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

News Release

ODEP News Release: [04/28/2011]
Contact Name: Bennett Gamble or Gloria Della
Phone Number: (202) 693-4667 or x8666
Release Number: 11-0609-NAT

US Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy announces 2011 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the official theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month: “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities.” The theme honors the contributions of workers with disabilities and serves to inform the public that they represent a highly skilled talent pool that can help employers compete in today’s global economy.

“Return on investment means hiring the right talent,” said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. “Workers with disabilities represent all skill sets and are ready to get the job done. This year’s theme focuses on improving employment opportunities that lead to good jobs and a secure economic future for people with disabilities and the nation as a whole.”

Early announcement of the theme helps communities nationwide plan a series of announcements, events and meetings to begin in October, some of which will continue throughout the year. Such activities include proclamations, public awareness programs and job fairs that showcase the assets of workers with disabilities.

As background, Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the first week in October each year as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” President Harry S. Truman designated the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to carry out the observance. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed from the week’s name to acknowledge the employment needs of all Americans with disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed its name to “National Disability Awareness Month,” which eventually evolved to its current name. The Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy took over responsibility for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2001.

Members of the public with questions related to the 2011 theme should contact Carol Dunlap in ODEP at 202-693-7902. Members of the media should contact the individuals named above.

ODEP’s mission is to provide national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related policies and practices to increase and enhance the employment of people with disabilities.

Tyson Fresh Meats to pay $2.25 million to settle sex discrimination cases with OFCCP

News Release

OFCCP News Release: [09/20/2011]
Contact Name: Jason Surbey or Laura McGinnis
Phone Number: (202) 693-4668 or x4653
Release Number: 11-0799-NAT

Tyson Fresh Meats to pay $2.25 million to settle sex discrimination cases with US Labor Department

More than 1,650 qualified female applicants denied jobs at 4 Midwest plants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs today announced that Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. has entered into two consent decrees to settle allegations of sex discrimination. The Dakota Dunes, S.D.–based company will pay a total of $2.25 million in back wages, interest and benefits to more than 1,650 qualified female job applicants who were rejected for employment at facilities in Joslin, Ill.; West Point, Neb.; and Waterloo and Denison, Iowa. Tyson Fresh Meats is a subsidiary of Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc., a federal contractor and one of the world’s largest processors of beef and pork.

“Companies that profit from federal contracts must not discriminate in employment decisions,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Today’s settlement, one of the largest in OFCCP’s history, means that women who were unfairly denied job opportunities will be compensated.”

During scheduled compliance reviews of the four facilities, OFCCP determined that Tyson Fresh Meats had violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sex. Under the terms of the decrees, the $2.25 million settlement will be divided among the rejected female job applicants. Tyson also has agreed to offer jobs to at least 220 of the affected women as positions become available in Joslin, Waterloo and Denison. The West Point plant closed in 2006. Finally, Tyson will undertake extensive self-monitoring and corrective measures to ensure that its employment practices fully comply with the law.

These consent decrees resolve the latest lawsuits in a string of cases brought by OFCCP against subsidiaries of Tyson Foods Inc. In 2008, a Labor Department administrative law judge found that TNT Crust in Green Bay, Wis., systematically had discriminated against Latino applicants in its entry-level position hiring.  Last year, OFCCP settled a case against Tyson Refrigerated Processed Meats after finding evidence that the company had discriminated against 157 African-American and 375 Caucasian job applicants at the company’s bacon processing plant in Vernon, Texas.

“A year after filing suit, the Labor Department has made good on a promise to those job seekers who were denied the opportunity to work simply because they are women,” said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. “We will remain vigilant, particularly with a serial offender like Tyson, to protect the rights of workers who can and should expect basic fairness from a company that profits mightily from doing business with the federal government.”

Tyson Foods Inc. has received federal contracts totaling more than $200 million in each of the past three years and recently was awarded another $8 million contract to provide beef and pork products for resale at two commissary stores in Guam. The company is a major supplier for the U.S. Departments of Defense and Agriculture, and is one of the largest employers in Joslin, Waterloo and Denison.

In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP’s legal authority exists under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. As amended, these three laws hold those who do business with the federal government, both contractors and subcontractors, to the fair and reasonable standard that they not discriminate in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. For general information, call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251. Additional information is available at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp.