U.S. Department of Labor Results in Federal Contractor Paying $350,000 In Back Wages to Settle Hiring Discrimination

SHELBYVILLE, IN – Penske Logistics LLC, a federal contractor, has agreed to pay $350,000 in back wages to 185 female applicants to settle allegations of hiring discrimination found in a U.S. Department of Labor investigation at the employer's Shelbyville, Indiana, logistics facility.

In a routine compliance evaluation, the Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) found that from January 1, 2016, through October 11, 2016, Penske Logistics LLC discriminated against female applicants in the hiring process for warehouse worker positions. Penske Logistics has also agreed to extend job offers in the warehouse worker position to 99 female class members at the Shelbyville facility.

"The U.S. Department of Labor and Penkse Logistics have reached a fair settlement that provides remedies to the affected class and guarantees that, going forward, qualified applicants of both genders will have the opportunity to compete on a level field for good jobs," said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Acting Midwest Regional Director Carmen Navarro in Chicago, Illinois.

Penske Logistics LLC cooperated with OFCCP's investigation and denied that the employer failed to comply with the Executive Order and its implementing regulations.

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 legal authorities, 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/.