WASHINGTON, D.C — A tree pruning, removal and vegetation management company working as a federal contractor has settled charges by the U.S. Department of Labor of discriminating against more than 100 African-American job applicants.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), Asplundh Tree Expert Co. discriminated against African-Americans who applied for positions of ground person, tree trimmer and equipment operation at the company's Georgia facility.
"Employers should monitor their hiring process to ensure applicants are not rejected based on illegal practices," OFCCP Southeast regional director Samuel Maiden said in a statement.
According to the OFCCP, Asplundh's violations were found during a routine compliance evaluation and the settlement includes the company paying $55,000 in back wages. Asplundh has also agreed to offer jobs to "up to five eligible class members" who would like employment and who meet the requirements/qualifications, the OFCCP said.