Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

ESA Press Release: OFCCP Sues Ford Motor Company For Discriminating Against Women at Louisville, Ky., Assembly Plant [05/07/1997]

For more information call: (202) 219-8211

The U.S. Department of Labor has filed an administrative complaint against Ford Motor Company alleging that in 1993 the company discriminated against female applicants at its assembly plant in Louisville, KY.

The suit stems from a compliance review conducted by the department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), beginning May 6, 1993, which found that Ford's hiring and selection procedures discriminated against female applicants for entry-level laborer positions at the plant. The complaint also alleges that, during the course of OFCCP's investigation, Ford failed to cooperate by denying the agency access to information deemed to be relevant to the case.

"This case reflects our commitment to protect our nation's workers at all levels of the work force and to ensure that federal contractors comply with the equal employment and meet affirmative action requirements," said Deputy Assistant Secretary Shirley J. Wilcher, head of OFCCP.

Federal laws enforced by OFCCP prohibit job discrimination, including gender-based hiring, among all federal contractors. Ford's Louisville assembly plant, which manufactures medium, heavy and extra heavy-duty trucks, is a federal contractor by virtue of selling its vehicles to the federal government.

OFCCP in its complaint is asking that Ford provide complete relief to the affected class of women, including employment, lost wages, interest and all other job benefits.

The complaint, filed with the Office of the Administrative Law Judges, was served upon Ford Motor Company, Inc., on March 31, 1997.

OFCCP is a part of the department's Employment Standards Administration. It enforces Executive Order 11246 and other laws requiring contractors to ensure equal employment opportunity in the workplace without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.