Monrovia Nursery has agreed pay more than $500,000 to 240 women to settle allegations
that employment practices at its Visalia, California, facility discriminated
against qualified female applicants for jobs.
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Download NowThe Department of Labor alleged that the company failed to afford women applicants
equal employment opportunities in its hiring process for entry-level laborer
jobs. Monrovia Nursery is part of Monrovia Growers, which is based in Azusa,
California. The company sells plants and plant materials to various federal
agencies.
The Labor Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
said it found during a compliance review that from October 1, 2001, through
September 30, 2002, a total of 240 women were subject to discriminatory hiring
practices. As part of the settlement, Monrovia Nursery will distribute $132,798
in back pay and lost medical benefits to the 240 rejected female applicants.
In addition, the company agreed to hire 27 of the applicants, paying them a
total of $379,080 in annualized salary, according to the department.