News Release
US Department of Labor, Chicago manufacturer enter agreement to resolve alleged hiring discrimination by federal contractor at Illinois facility
CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Labor has entered into a conciliation agreement with Midwest Canvas Corp. to resolve preliminary findings of a compliance evaluation that alleged the Chicago manufacturer discriminated in hiring applicants for its laborer positions between 2018 and 2019. The company was a federal contractor that provided plastic sheeting to the U.S. Agency for International Aid.
A review by the department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs alleged that from March 30, 2018 through Sept. 30, 2019 the company discriminated against Black, Asian and white applicants for laborer positions. The agency found Midwest Canvas’ actions 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.
To resolve the allegations, Midwest Canvas agreed to pay $230,204 in back pay and interest to the affected applicants who applied for the laborer positions. In addition, the company will make employment offers to 41 identified class members. The company admits no liability and denies OFCCP’s allegations.
“The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs takes seriously the legal and contractual obligation of federal contractors to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified job applicants regardless of race,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Regional Director Carmen Navarro in Chicago. “Working together with Midwest Canvas, OFCCP will ensure that the issues identified in this compliance evaluation are resolved and that the company puts into place procedures to ensure future compliance.”
Based in Chicago, the Midwest Canvas Corp. is a leading manufacturer of pool covers, tarps, plastic sheeting and related products. It operates manufacturing facilities in Illinois, New York, Texas, and Utah.
OFCCP launched the Class Member Locator to identify applicants or workers who may be entitled to monetary relief and/or consideration for job placement as a result of OFCCP’s compliance evaluations and complaint investigations. If you think you may be a class member who applied for jobs at Midwest Canvas during the investigative period, please use OFCCP’s Class Member Locator to learn more about this and other settlements.
