Labor & Employment Law — 10/28/09

Ohio fastener manufacturer pays $245,000 to settle EEOC national origin bias suit

SFS Intec, a Medina, Ohio, manufacturer of fasteners and fastening, will pay $245,000 and furnish other relief to settle a national origin discrimination lawsuit brought by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced October 27, 2009.

Two Hispanic machinists at SFS Intec were denied training opportunities that were regularly made available to non-Hispanic employees, according to the EEOC's suit (NDOhio, No 1:08-cv-02271). The federal agency's investigation revealed that the two machinists were subjected to condescending and offensive comments with respect to their national origin, Puerto Rican. The Hispanic machinists were also the only two employees who lost their jobs when SFS Intec implemented a reduction in force at its Medina facility in July 2007, the EEOC said.

In addition to monetary relief, the consent decree settling the suit provides that the company will provide training to all supervisors and managers employed at its Medina plant regarding Title VII's requirements and policies regarding compliance with the statute. SFS Intec will also post a notice informing employees of its commitment to compliance with the statute.

"We are very pleased that this employer is taking proactive measures to ensure a discrimination-free workplace in the future by addressing the problems that led to the lawsuit," said EEOC Acting Regional Attorney Debra Lawrence.

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