Furniture manufacturer to pay $133K in back wages and interest for alleged hiring discrimination

An investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has determined that National Office Furniture Inc. discriminated against women applicants at its Danville, Kentucky location. The furniture manufacturer’s hiring practices violated Executive Order 11246, which prevents federal contractors from discriminating in employment. The company, which is a subsidiary of Kimball International Inc., has agreed to pay $132,500 in back wages and interest to 201 applicants for product assembly positions. In addition, National Office Furniture will work to ensure its selection process, personnel practices and hiring policies are free from discrimination and will offer jobs to 15 affected women applicants as positions become available.

In a recent quote, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Southeast Regional Director Aida Collins said, “Federal contractors must ensure their employment practices are free of discrimination. They must also provide all applicants with equal employment opportunities and audit their processes to make certain no barriers to equal employment exist. By reaching this agreement, National Office Furniture Danville is demonstrating its commitment to resolving the allegations and ensuring the employer provides equal employment opportunities.”