Firm to Pay for Discrimination Lawsuit Against Temp Workers

A supplier to the military must pay $110,000 for sex and age discrimination against three female temporary workers, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced Wednesday, June 17.

Simula Inc., based in Phoenix, paid the women less than male workers who performed the same job, according to the EEOC. In addition, the EEOC said one of the women was discriminated against based on her age and another was terminated in retaliation for making complaints of sexual harassment.

The incidents began in August 2004, according to the lawsuit filed in 2007.

In addition to the $110,000, Simula will have to provide education to its employees on laws prohibiting sex discrimination, age discrimination and retaliation.

“As more companies choose temporary labor to fill their staffing needs, it is important for both those companies and employment agencies to be aware of their obligations to prevent discrimination and appropriately respond to allegations,” said EEOC regional attorney Mary Jo O’Neill.

Simula’s operations include packing parachutes for the military and assembling body armor, according to the EEOC. Simula was a division of Armor Holdings, which was acquired by BAE Systems Inc. in 2007.

—Staffing Industry Analysts

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