On April 2, 2014, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) announced a $40,000 settlement with Constructora Santiago II Corp., a federal construction contractor in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The settlement is to be paid to three female carpenters. The news release can be found at: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ofccp/OFCCP20140363.htm.
During an investigation of Constructora Santiago’s employment practices, the OFCCP found that the contractor had discriminated against women in compensation and by allowing sexual harassment and retaliation against employees who complained about a hostile work environment. The OFCCP also found that the women were not provided with adequate restrooms, occasionally none at all. Female workers were pressured to go on dates and subjected to jokes, teasing, and sexually charged comments.
The conciliation agreement requires Constructora Santiago to pay $40,000 to three female carpenters, provide adequate restrooms and changing facilities, and develop anti-harassment policies. Constructora Santiago has agreed to take on extensive self-monitoring measures and training to ensure full compliance with the regulations.
Please contact us by calling (732) 446-2529 or sending us an e-mail at glennbarlett@gbcs.net if you are interested in discussing the OFCCP’s settlement with Constructora Santiago II Corp.