A federal contractor that manufactures “Lightolier” brand indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures has entered into a conciliation agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to resolve allegations of sex-based wage discrimination.

The Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC, entered into the agreement after an OFCCP compliance review found that the company discriminated against 51 female professionals at its Fall River headquarters and other U.S. locations by paying them less than similarly situated males in the company.

OFCCP found Genlyte failed to compensate women workers in various manager and sales positions at the same rate as comparable male employees since at least December 2012 through December 31, 2013. Executive Order 11246 prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

While not admitting liability, Genlyte has agreed to pay affected female workers a total of $275,000 in lost wages and interest, and assure that it affords all employees equal employment opportunities.

In addition, Genlyte has agreed to:

-Evaluate starting salaries and salary increases to determine if they have had a disproportionately negative effect on compensation of female employees.
-Implement improved policies to eliminate such adverse effects. 
-Develop and improve its existing guidelines for determining starting compensation.
-Train all individuals involved in determining compensation and monitor its program.
-Ensure compensation practices comply with federal law.

In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. These laws, as amended, make it illegal for contractors and subcontractors doing business with the federal government to discriminate in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.