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ESA News Release: [05/05/2003] Contact Name: Yvonne
Ralsky Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Labor Department Signs Settlement Agreement with
Swissport USA Inc. to Remedy Hiring Discrimination
WASHINGTONThe U.S.
Department of Labor announced today that it has entered into a settlement
agreement with Swissport USA, Inc. (formerly Dynair). The settlement resolves
the departments allegations that Swissport discriminatorily refused to
hire female and minority job applicants into ramp worker positions, at the
Anchorage, Alaska Airport.
The settlement reached on behalf of these workers reflects the
Departments continued commitment to remedying unfair hiring practices and
keeping workplaces free of discrimination, said U.S. Secretary of Labor
Elaine L. Chao.
Under the settlement agreement, Swissport will pay $94,065 in back pay
and interest to 17 female and minority job applicants, as well as offer them
jobs with the company. In addition to the job offers and back pay, Swissport
agreed to revise its hiring and selection procedures to preclude future
discrimination against minority and female job applicants.
The departments allegations arose out of a compliance review
conducted by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which
enforces nondiscrimination obligations of Federal contractors. OFCCP initiated
the compliance review based on information provided through reports Swissport
made under a previous agreement with the department.
Swissport USA, Inc. of Anchorage is part of Swissport North America,
Inc., located in Dulles, Virginia. Swissport provides airport ground handling
services to the Federal government.
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, part of the Labor
Departments Employment Standards Administration, enforces Executive Order
11246 and other laws that prohibit employment discrimination by federal
contractors. The agency monitors federal contractors to ensure that they
provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, gender, color,
religion, national origin, disability or veterans status and meet
affirmative action requirements.
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