by Art Gutman Ph.D., Professor, Florida Institute of Technology
The complaint was filed on 12/1/11 with the OFCCP’s Office of Administrative Law Judges (OFCCP v. Lund Boat Co. and Brunswick Corp.
Case Number: 2012-OFC-00002; see http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ofccp/OFCCP20111625.htm). The complaint alleges that Lund Boat Company discriminated against more than 200 women for entry-level positions at its New York Mills, Minnesota plant. Representatives from Lund argued that women were less likely to be hired because of a preference for workers with manufacturing experience. However, the OFCCP asserted that its investigation found that women with the requisite experience were less likely to be hired then men lacking that experience. The complaint threatens cancellation and debarment unless Lund hires at least 27 women among the original group of applicants, and pays lost wages, interest, and benefits. Brunswick has held federal contracts totaling nearly 23 million dollars over the past two years.
