CR (202) 616-2777WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888
ARKANSAS COMPANY CHARGED WITH WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION
REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- An Arkansas poultry processing plant has agreed to pay more than $5,000 in back pay and civil penalties to settle allegations of workplace discrimination under an agreement reached today with the Justice Department.
The federal complaint alleged that George's Processing, Inc., located in Springfield, Arkansas, engaged in workplace discrimination when it refused to accept Gabriela Puente's proof of work authorization and denied her a job. Ms. Puente, a Latino U.S. citizen, who was born in Del Rio, Texas, spoke Spanish and had previously left a position with George's Processing, Inc. in order to travel to Mexico. Upon her return, George's refused to accept her state identification card and social security card as proof of her work authorization when she re-applied for her position at the plant. According to the complaint filed by the Justice Department's Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices, a human resources official at George's told Ms. Puente that they did not believe she was a U.S. citizen.
"We are seeing more discrimination cases being brought, as here, by Latino U.S. citizens, especially women. We are committed to pursuing all avenues of relief to enforce the federal protections against work place discrimination." said Special Counsel John Trasviña.
The Immigration and Nationality Act prohibits employers from discriminating against a U.S. citizen or authorized worker by asking for more documentation than the law allows. Under the law, a state identification card and social security card are sufficient evidence of a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States.
The Office of Special Counsel was established to ensure that all work-authorized individuals -- U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike -- are not subject to discrimination in the hiring process because of their national origin or citizenship status. OSC has obtained more than 6,000 complaints, recovered over $1.8 million in back pay and $1.25 million in civil penalties. Individuals seeking more information or assistance provided by OSC may call toll-free, 1-800-255-7688 or 202-616-5594 or write to:
Office of Special Counsel for
Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices
Post Office Box 27728
Washington, D.C. 20038-7728
Email: osc.crt@usdoj.gov
# # #
99-182