Universal Protection Service Will Pay $175,000 to Settle Allegations Of Hiring Discrimination in Seattle, Washington

SEATTLE, WA – The U.S. Department of Labor has entered into a conciliation agreement with Universal Protection Service LP – a federal contractor – to resolve allegations of systemic hiring discrimination at the company's Seattle, Washington, facility formerly owned and operated by Northwest Protective Services Inc.

A routine compliance evaluation by the Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) found that - from September 19, 2014 to June 28, 2017 - Northwest Protective Services Inc. discriminated against 398 African American applicants for security positions in the Seattle area. OFCCP determined that the company's hiring practices violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

In its conciliation agreement with OFCCP, Universal Protection Service LP will pay $175,000 to eligible class members. Additionally, the company will make 25 job offers to original applicants, as security positions become available. The company will also review and revise its selection process and provide training to hiring managers to prevent instances of discrimination and to meet legal requirements.

"Federal contractors and subcontractors must ensure that their employment policies and practices provide equal employment opportunity regardless of race," said Regional Director Jane Suhr, in San Francisco. "The U.S. Department of Labor remains committed to holding companies with federal contracts accountable for ensuring equal employment opportunity at their facilities."

Universal Protection Service LP holds numerous security and technology-based contracts with federal government agencies, departments, and institutions.

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/.

If you think you may be one of the applicants eligible for back pay or job opportunities from this settlement, or may know someone who is, please visit the OFCCP Class Member Locator at: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/CML. There you will find information about this and other OFCCP settlements.