The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced that Bimbo Bakeries will pay $131,216 in back pay and interest to 134 female applicants as part of a hiring discrimination agreement with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). The OFCCP enforces anti-discrimination laws against federal contractors and sub-contractors.

The alleged hiring discrimination occurred at a Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc. subsidiary in Nebraska that has contracts to provide services to several federal agencies. Bimbo manufactures and distributes food products under many familiar brand names, such as Sara Lee, Entenmann’s, Beefsteak, and Boboli. Bimbo is the U.S. affiliate of the Mexico City-based Grupo Bimbo, which is the largest bakery company worldwide. 

OFCCP conducted a compliance review of the Bimbo facility from January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. Through that review, OFCCP found that female applicants who applied as bakers and loaders, positions Bimbo classifies as “jobbers,” experienced hiring discrimination. Bimbo’s hiring practices violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating based on characteristics protected by federal law, including sex and gender. 

Bimbo admitted no liability or hiring discrimination as part of the settlement agreement. Bimbo did agree to offer jobs to seven qualified female applicants who previously had applied for jobber positions and did not receive job offers. Bimbo also agreed to provide training to managers, supervisors, and other employees who handle hiring to ensure discriminatory-free hiring practices. 

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