GE Aerospace has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) in an effort to resolve alleged hiring discriminations. The company’s troubles began after the OFCCP conducted a routine compliance review for the period from Aug. 1, 2018, to Jan. 31, 2020. It was discovered that GE Aerospace discriminated against female applicants for manufacturing operations associate positions at its production plant in Rutland, Vermont. The OFCCP claims that the company violated Executive Order 11246, which specifically says that federal contractors can not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. As part of the agreement, GE Aerospace must pay $443,000 in back pay and interest to 116 unsuccessful female applicants and offer 14 positions to female applicants. On top of that, the company must also provide training to all employees involved in the hiring process.
In a recent quote, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Acting Northeast Regional Director Samuel Maiden said, “Ensuring equal opportunity during the hiring process is important and required under the law. By entering into a conciliation agreement, GE Aerospace is showing its commitment to meeting those standards by eliminating hiring barriers for women.”