Yesterday, Green Bay Dressed Beef of Wisconsin, a division of American Foods Group LLC, agreed to pay $1.65 million to 970 women who were barred from general laborer positions at the plant in 2006 and 2007. Following an investigation, the US Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFFCP) found that the company had violated Executive Order 11246, which states that federal contractors cannot discriminate on the basis of gender in their hiring and employment practices.
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis said, “This is the 21st century in the United States of America. There is no such thing as a ‘man’s job.’ I am pleased that my department has been able to work out a resolution with Green Bay Dressed Beef, and that the settlement not only compensates the victims of discrimination but also provides jobs for many of these women.”
Each woman in the original class will receive approximately $1,700 to cover back wages, interest, and benefits. The company will also offer 248 jobs to the women once the positions become available.
