Federal Contractor Agrees to Pay $55,000 in Back Wages To Settle Alleged Hiring Discrimination

MACON, GA – Federal contractor Asplundh Tree Expert Co. has agreed to pay $55,000 in back wages after a routine compliance evaluation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) found alleged systemic hiring discrimination violations at its Macon, Georgia, facility. Asplundh Tree Expert Co. has also agreed to make job offers for specific positions, to up to five eligible class members who express an interest in employment and meet qualifications.

OFCCP found that - beginning in 2015 - the company discriminated against 124 African American applicants in the hiring and selection process for ground person, tree trimmer, and equipment operation positions.

To ensure future compliance, the company is obligated to evaluate and revise its hiring and selection policies, as necessary. Asplundh will ensure that it applies the selection criteria uniformly and train personnel involved in hiring and selection processes to ensure non-discriminatory practices.

"Employers should monitor their hiring process to ensure applicants are not rejected based on illegal practices," said OFCCP Southeast Regional Director Samuel B. Maiden.

Asplundh Tree Expert Co. specializes in tree pruning and vegetation management for the U.S. Department of Energy.

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/.