News Release
US Department of Labor enters agreement with B. Braun Medical after gender-based hiring discrimination continued at its Allentown location
ALLENTOWN, PA – The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has entered into a conciliation with B. Braun Medical Inc., to resolve allegations that the federal contractor breached a 2020 agreement to address discrimination against female employees and applicants at its Allentown manufacturing facility.
An OFCCP review of progress reports provided by the company found that B. Braun Medical did not comply with a September 2020 conciliation agreement. The employer entered into the agreement after a routine compliance evaluation by OFCCP which alleged that it discriminated against female applicants for warehouse associate positions. Specifically, OFCCP determined that from Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2017, the employer steered female applicants into lower-paying positions as general manufacturing associates.
OFCCP determined the company’s actions violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment based on race, color, sex, gender identity or national origin.
To resolve the new allegations, the company has agreed to pay $75,984 in back pay and interest to 24 qualified female applicants not selected during the monitoring period.
B. Braun Medical will also collaborate with the department’s Employment and Training Administration’s Office of Apprenticeship to assist female workers in obtaining the certifications and training needed to fill warehouse associate roles. To assist the process, the employer must set aside no less than $35,000 per year to support transportation and childcare subsidies as needed for those in training.
B. Braun Medical Inc. is a subsidiary of the B. Braun Group of Companies that employs more than 64,000 people in 64 countries, including 8,500 employees at more than 30 locations in North America. The company has contracts with many federal departments and agencies.
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 or someone you know may be an applicant eligible for back pay or job opportunities from this settlement, please use the OFCCP Class Member Locator to learn more about these and other settlements.
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, prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from discrimination in employment because of disability or status as a protected veteran.
