A New York-based company that refurbishes cell phones at its factory in Long Island has agreed to pay $435,000 to settle a lawsuit accusing the company of paying Hispanic workers less for doing the same job as Asian employees.
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Download NowThe U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed the lawsuit against First Wireless. The lawsuit also accused the company of unlawful retaliation. The EEOC alleged that the company fired employees who complained.
A group of Hispanic employees alleged that Asian employees were being paid $1.50 to $2.00 or more per hour for performing the same work. They then circulated a petition asking for equal pay. Rather than looking into the employees' complaints, the EEOC said, First Wireless responded by firing them and others they believed were involved.
Under the settlement, the company will take several steps, including training its managers, supervisors, and human resource employees on federal laws that prohibit discrimination. First Wireless also revised its anti-discrimination policy and complaint procedure and will be distributing it to all its employees.
In settling the lawsuit, the company admitted no wrongdoing.