Missouri Federal Contractor Agrees to Pay $379,089 to Resolve Wage Discrimination found in U.S. Department of Labor Investigation

ST. JOSEPH, MO – After a compliance review by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. – a global pharmaceutical company and federal contractor – will pay $379,089 in back pay and interest to 75 female employees to resolve alleged wage discrimination at its St. Joseph, Missouri, facility.

OFFCP alleges discrimination occurred in base compensation for female employees working as scientists, technicians and technical administrators in the production sub-area at the facility that manufactures biological animal vaccines.

“The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to combating pay discrimination and ensuring fair compensation of all employees,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Midwest Regional Director Carmen Navarro in Chicago, Illinois. “Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. worked cooperatively with the Department to resolve these matters and to prevent similar issues from happening again.”

In addition to the distribution of back pay and interest under the agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc will ensure that its compensation policies and pay procedures are free from discrimination and provide training to all managers, supervisors and other company officials who oversee pay decisions.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. – a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH of Rhein, Germany – does not admit liability and denies OFCCP’s allegations.

OFCCP enforces Executive Order 11246, 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.

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