Genlyte Thomas Group will pay $275K to 51 women professional employees paid less than male counterparts following US Labor Department investigation

BOSTON – A federal contractor that manufactures “Lightolier” brand indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures has entered into a conciliation agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to resolve allegations of sex-based wage discrimination.

The Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC, entered into the agreement after an OFCCP compliance review found that the company discriminated against 51 female professionals at its Fall River headquarters and other U.S. locations by paying them less than similarly situated males in the company.

OFCCP found Genlyte failed to compensate women workers in various manager and sales positions at the same rate as comparable male employees since at least December 2012 through December 31, 2013. Executive Order 11246 prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

While not admitting liability, Genlyte has agreed to pay affected female workers a total of $275,000 in lost wages and interest, and assure that it affords all employees equal employment opportunities.

“Federal contractors have an obligation to ensure that their compensation practices and policies are free of all forms of discrimination,” said OFCCP Director Patricia Shiu. “Our nation’s taxpayers deserve to know that companies entrusted with public funds are providing equal pay for equal work regardless of gender.”

In addition, Genlyte has agreed to:

• Evaluate starting salaries and salary increases to determine if they have had a disproportionately negative effect on compensation of female employees.
• Implement improved policies to eliminate such adverse effects. 
• Develop and improve its existing guidelines for determining starting compensation.
• Train all individuals involved in determining compensation and monitor its program.
• Ensure compensation practices comply with federal law.

The OFCCP’s Buffalo Area Office conducted the investigation, with legal support from the Boston Regional Office of the Solicitor.

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. These laws, as amended, make it illegal for contractors and subcontractors doing business with the federal government to discriminate in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.  In addition, contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from discharging or discriminating against applicants or employees because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their compensation or that of others, subject to certain limitations. For more information, please call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.