Sysco Reaches Deal Over Discrimination Allegation

Sysco has entered an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to resolve gender discrimination allegations at four plants. From November 2013 to December 2014, investigators from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) found that Sysco facilities in Maryland (2), Pennsylvania, and Virginia discriminated against 238 female applicants. The women applied for outbound selector positions. According to current listings, the job calls for pulling products in the warehouse and preparing them for shipping — by stacking them in an orderly and stable configuration.The settlement prevents Sysco from admitting liability, but the company is on the hook for $182,354.26 in back wages, benefits, and interest to the female applicants. Sysco will also make 60 job offers to original applicants as positions become available in Jessup and Pocomoke City, Maryland; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Harrisonburg, Virginia.The agreement also calls on Sysco to review and revise selection procedures, and train company personnel to prevent future violations. Based in Houston, Texas, Sysco is a multinational food distributor. As a federal contractor, Sysco, the company failed to comply with Executive Order 11246, which prohibits gender discrimination by federal contractors.The laws make it illegal for contractors and subcontractors doing business with the federal government to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.