The settlement was reported on the OFCCP website on April 25, 2013. According to the release, the hiring process favored women for entry-level attendants because of the perception that women are better than men at customer service. This settlement is obviously unusual given that men were the alleged victims and women were the favored group. Of course, this scenario is not outside the realm of possibility given that all groups are protected under the EEO prong of EO 11246. The OFCCP alleged that the favoritism shown to women deprived 200 qualified men to advance to the offer stage of the process. Under the agreement, Goodwill will pay $130,970 to affected individuals, and will, as they become available, offer jobs to 18 men previously not offered positions. Goodwill also agreed to extensive self-monitoring and training of its hiring staff. Goodwill has contracts in excess of 2.5 million dollars with several branches of the military and federal government agencies in California, and provides custodial and related services to the General Services Administration.
by Art Gutman, Ph.D., Professor, Florida Institute of Technology