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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A Scottsdale, Arizona personnel company, Olsten Staffing Services, Inc. has agreed to pay more than $2,000 in back pay and civil penalties to settle allegations of workplace discrimination under an agreement reached today with the Justice Department.

The agreement resolves a federal complaint filed with the Justice Department's Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) by Garier Grau, a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico. Mr. Grau presented Olsten Staffing, Inc. with a Social Security card along with his driver's license and birth certificate. Although he had presented more than enough legal documents to verify his identity and employment eligibility, Olsten refused to permit him to fill out a job application.

"Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens at birth. Treating them as if they are not U.S. citizens is against the law. This settlement vindicates that important principle," said Special Counsel John Trasviña.

OSC 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, citizenship status, appearance or accent. Since its inception in 1986, OSC has received more than 6,000 complaints and recovered over $1.8 million in back pay and $1.25 million in civil penalties.

Individuals seeking more information about 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

P.O. Box 27728

Washington, D.C. 20038-7728

Email: osc.crt@usdoj.gov

www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc

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