HUNTINGTON, W.V. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced June 13 that CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) will pay $3.2 million after allegations of company-wide sex discrimination.
"Railroad and other transportation occupations provide excellent career opportunities for women when sex-based barriers to their participation in those jobs are removed,” EEOC Pittsburgh area office director Roosevelt Bryant said in a statement. The EEOC is committed to ensuring that all workers have an equal opportunity for hiring and advancement in such work."
According to the allegations, CSXT utilized a testing system for isokinetic strength for applicants to various job categories. The EEOC says this system caused discrimination against female workers who sought roles with the company as conductors, material handlers and more, violating Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
"We commend CSX Transportation for working collaboratively with the EEOC to address our concerns about the railroad's physical abilities testing program," EEOC regional attorney Debra M. Lawrence said in a statement. "The company's willingness to confer with the EEOC about the agency's concerns and its agreement to cease the testing practices at issue reflect a corporate commitment to gender diversity and inclusion that will benefit both workers and the company."