Federal Contractor Agrees to Pay $409,947 in Back Wages To Settle Hiring Discrimination Allegations

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The U.S. Department of Labor has reached an agreement with federal contractor Coastal International Security Inc. – a security services company based in Stafford, Virginia – that requires the company to pay $409,947 in back wages and interest to settle allegations of systemic hiring discrimination.

The Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, during a routine compliance evaluation, found that Coastal International Security - from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2014 - discriminated against 180 female applicants for professional security officer positions in violation of Executive Order 11246, which prohibits sex discrimination by federal contractors doing business with the government.

While not admitting liability, the company has agreed to make 16 job offers to original applicants as positions become available, in addition to four it has already hired. The company has also agreed to pay for additional certification trainings for at least three class members to enhance their employment opportunities in the security industry.

"Employers should always monitor their hiring process to ensure applicants are not rejected based on discrimination or biases," said Michele Hodge, the Regional Director for OFCCP in Philadelphia.

OFCCP's Class Member Locator (CML) identifies applicants and/or workers who have been impacted by OFCCP's compliance evaluations and complaint investigations and who may be entitled to a portion of monetary relief and/or consideration for job placement. If you think you may be a class member who applied between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014, the period of the investigation, please visit http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/CML/index.htm, where you can also find information about OFCCP settlements.

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 discriminating against applicants or employees because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their compensation or the compensation of others subject to certain limitations. For more information, please call OFCCP's toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.