Western Global resolves alleged gender-pay discrimination case
30 / 09 / 2024
Source: Carlos Yudica/Shutterstock
Western Global Airlines has entered into a conciliation agreement that will see it pay $84,727 in back wages and interest to resolve alleged gender-based pay discrimination at the company’s Estero facility.
The US Department of Labor said that a routine compliance review of Western Global Airlines initially raised concerns about base pay and bonuses for female managers, support professionals, technicians and administrators.
“The agency determined the employer’s actions violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin,” the Department said.
The company agreed to resolve the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ (OFCCP) preliminary findings by paying 18 female workers $79,977 in back wages and interest, as well as $4,750 in bonuses.
“As part of the agreement, the employer will conduct an annual review of its compensation policies and practices and provide training to company officials responsible for determining compensation,” the Department of Labor added.
During the agency’s compliance evaluation, the employer also made $157,500 in pay equity adjustments to female employees.
“As a federal contractor, Western Global Airlines Inc. must ensure their employment practices are free of discrimination, provide all employees with equal employment opportunities and audit their processes to make sure no barriers to equal employment exist,” said OFCCP acting southeast regional director Diana Sen.
The Department of Labor said that since 2023, the airline has been paid more than $4.5m in federal contracts to provide scheduled freight transportation services to the Department of Defense’s US Transportation Command.
Last week, it was also announced that an agreement between the airline and pilots over a class action lawsuit had been given preliminary approval by Delaware District Court.
A final approval hearing will take place on January 14 while there will also be a chance for class members to object to the settlement.
The two pilots that led the lawsuit reached an agreement with Western Global Airlines and its investment manager worth $14.5m.
Western Global pilots reach agreement over stock plan class action
