Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
Latest Events and News
Labor Department Sues US Security Associates for Refusing to Comply
with Federal Investigation of Employment Practices
OFCCP has filed lawsuits with its Office of Administrative Law Judges to require U.S. Security Associates Inc. to submit documents detailing the company's affirmative action plans for its facilities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Portage, Indiana. U.S. Security Associates, based in Roswell, Ga, provides uniformed and trained guards and other emergency responders under federal contract. If the company fails to comply, the Department asks the court to cancel all U.S. Security Associates government contracts and to debar the entire company from entering into future contracts.
The issue of providing OFCCP with access to such information has been affirmed by the courts numerous times. In November 2011, Chief Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled, in a similar case, that "Submission to such lawful investigations is the price of working as a federal contractor."
"Providing OFCCP investigators with access to the documents they need in order to do their jobs is not optional," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. "U.S. Security Associates is well aware of its contractual obligation to submit the records we seek, and the company's denial of access at these two facilities is especially perplexing given its cooperation in providing the same documentation in past compliance reviews."
Read the Department of Labor's news release for more information.
"Dodger Dog" manufacturer to pay workers $439K to settle OFCCP suit alleging sex discrimination
OFCCP has settled its lawsuit against federal contractor Clougherty Packing Co., a subsidiary of the Hormel Food Corp. A conciliation agreement settles allegations of systemic hiring discrimination against female job applicants at Clougherty's Los Angeles facility between February 10, 2007 and February 9, 2009. Under the terms of its agreement with OFCCP, Clougherty will pay $439,538 in back wages to 1,988 qualified female job applicants rejected for entry-level positions. Clougherty also will extend 700 job offers to affected women as positions become available.
"So many Americans grew up eating Dodger Dogs and other Hormel products. These are uniquely American brands that ought to reflect American values, particularly when it comes to ensuring fairness in the workplace," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. "I hope that this settlement can provide a little financial help and a whole lot of justice for the women who were denied a fair shot at employment. Moreover, I am glad we were able to work with Clougherty to make sure that there will be greater opportunities for women to get jobs going forward."
Read the Labor Department's news release in English and en Español for more information.
OFCCP Issues New FAAP Directive
On December 17, 2012, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), issued Directive 305 outlining the application and approval procedures for Functional Affirmative Action Program (FAAP) Agreements provided for in 41 CFR 60-2.1(d)(4). The information collection outlined in the directive was approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control No. 1250-0006 and is effective through December 31, 2015. Directive 305 rescinds the ADM Notice/Functional AAP, issued June 14, 2011, and lifts the moratorium on the issuance and renewal of FAAP agreements. If you have questions regarding your existing FAAP agreement, please contact the FAAP Unit at (202) 693-1083.
Read Directive 305 for more information.
Meyer Tool to pay $325K to settle OFCCP suit alleging racial discrimination
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs announced that federal government contractor Meyer Tool Inc. has agreed to settle allegations of hiring discrimination on the basis of race involving 60 African-American applicants who were rejected for entry-level machinist positions at the company's manufacturing plant in Cincinnati. Under the terms of the agreement, Meyer Tool will pay $325,000 to the 60 applicants and extend job offers to at least 11 members of the original class as positions become available.
"Workers should never be denied a fair shot at employment because of factors that have absolutely nothing to do with their ability to do the job," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. "I am pleased that we were able to reach a fair settlement with Meyer Tool - one that will provide remedies to the affected workers and guarantee that, going forward, qualified applicants of all races and backgrounds will have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field for good jobs."
Read the Labor Department's news release for more information.
