U.S. Department of Labor Review Results in Federal Contractor Paying $858,492 in Back Wages to Settle Alleged Hiring Discrimination

PHOENIX, AZ – After a review by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), Shamrock Foods Company – a food products and services company based in Phoenix, Arizona – has agreed to pay $858,492 in lost wages, benefits, and interest to resolve allegations of discrimination against female, African American and white applicants at its facilities in Phoenix, Arizona, and Eastvale, California.

 OFCCP found that Shamrock Foods Company failed to hire qualified female, African American and white applicants for a variety of positions between 2017 and 2018. OFCCP alleged that the company’s hiring practices violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment based on race, national origin or gender.

“Federal contractors are required to provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants regardless of race, gender, and ethnicity,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Regional Director Jane Suhr, in San Francisco.

Shamrock Foods Company volunteered to enter into an early resolution agreement and enhance its compliance in the hiring process throughout the company. Under the terms of the agreement, Shamrock agreed to extend job opportunities to class members as positions become available, review and revise its selection process and provide enhanced training to its hiring managers. 

If you think you may be eligible for back pay from this settlement or may know someone who is, please visit OFCCP’s Class Member Locator at https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/CML.

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, and may not retaliate against applicants or employees for engaging in protected activities. These laws also require that federal contractors provide equal employment opportunity through affirmative action. For more information, please call OFCCP's toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.