by Art Gutman Ph.D., Professor, Florida Institute of Technology
The agreement relates to a charge of discrimination in hiring against Hispanic, African American and females for the position of material handler. Alcoa Mills will make $484,656.19 in back pay to 37 Hispanics and African-Americans and $35,516.88 to two women who all were rejected for jobs at the company's plant in Lancaster, Pa. (see http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ofccp/OFCCP20111168.htm). The allegations were made by the OFCCP following a scheduled compliance review of the Lancaster manufacturing plant from 2009 and 2010. OFCCP Director Shiu noted that "No worker should be denied a job because of factors that have absolutely nothing to do with his or her ability to accomplish the work" and that she is “glad we reached a fair settlement with Alcoa Mill Products, one that not only provides financial remedies for the affected victims, but also creates opportunities for good jobs." In addition to the $540+ thousand monetary settlement, the company agreed to spend at least $20,000 on equal employment opportunity, anti-harassment and sensitivity training for its workforce, including all managers and human resources personnel involved in hiring. The company will also revise its selection process for material handlers.