Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
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OFCCP Blog: Making Good on the Promise of Equal Pay
The department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is working to make good on the promise of equal pay. In the past three years, OFCCP has resolved more than triple the number of race- or gender-based pay discrimination cases compared to the previous three years. Read more in the blog: http://social.dol.gov/blog/making-good-on-the-promise-of-equal-pay/.
OFCCP Settles Hiring Discrimination case with Bertucci Contracting Co.
Bertucci Contracting Co. LLC settled allegations of hiring discrimination against African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American job applicants who applied for positions as laborers and deckhands between 2009 and 2011 at its Jefferson facility. Bertucci agreed to pay $70,000 in back wages and interest to the 14 affected workers and extend at least six offers of employment – with retroactive seniority – as positions become available.
"The people of the Gulf Coast have shown tremendous resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil spill and the Great Recession," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. "Our job is to make sure the doors of opportunity are open for all workers who want to be a part of rebuilding and fortifying their communities."
Read the Labor Department's news release for more information.
OFCCP Settles Sex Discrimination Case with Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries of Southern California has agreed to settle allegations of systemic hiring discrimination against male job seekers following an OFCCP review of the federal contractor’s Los Angeles facility. The agency found that 200 qualified men were denied the opportunity to advance to the offer stage of the hiring process because of perceptions among some hiring managers that women are better at customer service. Under the agreement, Goodwill will pay $130,970 in back wages to the affected individuals and, as openings occur, will make 18 job offers to qualified men who were not previously offered positions.
"Sex discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, and we are committed to fighting all of them," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. "That means getting away from outdated notions about what constitutes ‘men’s work’ and what constitutes ‘women’s work’."
Read the Labor Department's news release for more information.
OFCCP Rescinds Restrictions on Investigating Pay Discrimination
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program has rescinded two enforcement guidance documents on pay discrimination originally issued in 2006, commonly known as the "Compensation Standards" and "Voluntary Guidelines." This action, to be effective Feb. 28, is intended to protect workers and strengthen OFCCP's ability to identify and remedy different forms of pay discrimination. It will enable OFCCP to conduct investigations of contractor pay practices consistent with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In addition, OFCCP has introduced new guidance setting forth the procedures, analysis and protocols OFCCP will utilize going forward when conducting compensation discrimination investigations. The new approach enables OFCCP investigators to better examine practices and available evidence to uncover discrimination and evaluate contractor compliance with Executive Order 11246.
"A strong American middle class hinges on ensuring equal pay," said Acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. "As President Obama has made clear, everyone – including the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters among us – must be paid fairly and without discrimination. These new standards will strengthen our ability to ensure that women and men are fully protected under our nation's laws."
"Today, we are lifting arbitrary barriers that have prevented our investigators from finding and combating illegal pay discrimination," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu, a member of the President's National Equal Pay Task Force. "At the same time, we are providing clear guidance for contractors to facilitate their success when it comes to providing equal opportunity to all of their workers."
Visit our Resource Page here for more information, including copies of the Rescission Notice, new Policy Directive 307, Frequently Asked Questions and other materials.
