Cases of workplace discrimination seem to appear in the news nearly every week. Unfortunately, this trend is nothing new, as a study from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) shows the agency received 1,889,631 discrimination complaints from 1997 to 2018. In 2017, a majority of these complaints were based on retaliation, race, disability, or sex.
While allegations of workplace discrimination can obviously damage the reputation of the business involved, monetary claims can also hurt. In fact, in a recent instance, Dell Technologies paid $7 million to settle a discrimination lawsuit.
Located in Round Rock, Texas, Dell Technologies will pay $7 million in lost wages, interest, and benefits to workers who claimed to be victims of racial and gender-based wage discrimination while at the company. Dell will also take part in “assuring that all employees are afforded equal employment opportunities” according to a news release on the agreement.
This workplace discrimination settlement with Dell is one of the largest obtained by the Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which monitors government contractors for compliance with non-discrimination laws.
In a written statement, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs director, Craig Leen stated, “Dell Technologies is working with us to ensure pay equity corporate-wide,” and that “Together, we will ensure that the company complies with equal employment opportunity laws in its employment practices, in addition to remedying findings that OFCCP made.”
The Dell settlement will resolve roughly 20 outstanding compliance evaluations, according to the agency. In a statement, the company has said, “Dell prides itself on being a leader in pay equity and inclusion. It’s how we do business. Using the Office of Federal Contract Compliances new early resolution procedures, Dell volunteered to work with the OFCCP toward a swift resolution of all open and pending matters. This positive outcome demonstrates our commitment to equal pay and opportunity. And embodies the great relationship Dell has had with the agency and will continue to have over the coming years.”
Houston Employment Litigation Attorneys
At Feldman & Feldman, our attorneys work with businesses of all sizes in order to help prevent employment litigation through proactive reviews and education. Our experienced employment lawyers frequently train managers and supervisors on the nuances and regulations of employment law and policy. If your business needs the guidance of an experienced employment attorney, contact Feldman & Feldman today.