Lockheed Martin Corp. Will Pay $700,000 in Back Wages After DOL Investigation
Lockheed Martin Corp. was found guilty of race-based discrimination during the hiring process for positions in their RMS Engineering and Technology Unit.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Jan 13, 2021
The Department of Labor entered into an Early Resolution Conciliation Agreement with Lockheed Martin Corp.’s RMS Engineering and Technology Unit to resolve hiring discrimination allegations.
The Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) found that from Jan. 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, Lockheed Martin discriminated Asian, African American and Hispanic applicants for positions such as software engineer associate and systems engineer staff. The company agreed to pay $700,000 in back wages and interest to 616 affected applicants. They have also agreed to hire 34 of those applicants.
“This agreement will prevent systemic hiring discrimination practices from recurring at Lockheed Martin’s RMS Engineering & Technology Unit,” Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Regional Director Michele Hodge. “Companies that accept federal contracts must monitor their hiring processes to ensure applicants are not rejected based on unlawful practices.”
According to the OFCCP, Lockheed Martin violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits race-based discrimination in hiring by federal contractors. The company did not admit liability despite entering into the agreement.
For more information, visit dol.gov.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.