Oct. 18 (UPI) — Florida International University is set to pay $575,000 in back pay and interest to female employees after being accused of gender-based wage discrimination, according to an announcement made by the U.S. Department of Labor on Wednesday.
During the period between Aug. 1, 2017, and Aug. 1, 2018, the Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs found that FIU paid 163 female employees less than their male counterparts in similar positions.
“It is imperative for employers with federal contracts to ensure equal employment opportunities and conduct regular audits of their employment processes to eliminate any hurdles to equal employment,” stated Aida Collins, regional director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, in a news release.
“We commend Florida International University for its collaboration with the Department of Labor in addressing our concerns.”
As part of the settlement, the university will compensate affected employees with back wages and damages. Additionally, $125,000 will be reserved to address future pay disparity issues and promote non-discriminatory employment practices and policies.
FIU, one of the largest universities in the United States with over 55,000 students and a focus on research, provides various educational, research, and security services to the federal government.
The Executive Order 11246, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, applies specifically to federal contractors.
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