COMPANY AGREES TO $8.7 MILLION SETTLEMENT
Deutsche Post AG, t/a DHL Group, is a German multinational package-delivery and supply-chain management company. Based out of Bonn, Germany, it’s among the largest courier service companies in the world.
Recently, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it had reached a settlement with the company to resolve a class race-discrimination lawsuit, which alleged that the company assigned Black employees to higher crime rate areas (than it did white employees). Additionally, employees of color were assigned to move “large, heavy packages,” while their white counterparts were given “less strenuous” letter sorting tasks.
Believing that such conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Civil Action No.10-cv-6139), seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.
In addition to paying $8.7 million to some 83 Black employees (who were subjected to the discriminatory practices), the company agreed to work with a monitor who will oversee the company’s adherence with the parties’ consent decree and ensure compliance with all laws.
In a written statement, Gregory Gochanour, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Chicago District Office, observed that ““In this case, the EEOC made no claim that Black workers were paid less than others or denied promotions …. However, segregating employees and giving them unequal work assignments based on their race is just as unlawful. Such practices should not occur in any workplace. We are confident that the measures put in place by the consent decree will ensure that DHL’s employees are treated equally going forward.”
Bet they were happy to have sorted that out!
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