PITT OHIO AGREES TO PAY $2.43 MILLION TO SETTLE EEOC DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT

Trucking Company Refused Class of Women Driver and Dockworker Jobs, Federal Agency Charged

CLEVELAND – An interstate trucking firm has agreed to pay $2.43 million and provide other remedial relief to a class of women to settle a major sex discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today. 

The EEOC had charged in the litigation that Pitt Ohio Express Inc. denied a class of qualified female applicants employment as truck drivers or dockworkers since 1997, while men were placed in these positions during the same period.

The comprehensive relief obtained by the EEOC includes $2.43 million for the class of women denied employment.  Non-monetary relief includes offers of employment to women who should have been previously hired as drivers and dock workers and equal employment opportunity training to all supervisors and managers, as well as reporting and monitoring provisions.

"We are pleased that this settlement will provide appropriate relief for the people who have been harmed," said EEOC Acting Regional Attorney Debra Lawrence.  "We are likewise glad that this employer is taking proactive measures to ensure a discrimination-free workplace in the future by addressing the problems that led to the lawsuit."

The consent decree settling the suit was approved by the court following a fairness hearing held this morning.

According to company information, Pitt-Ohio Express Inc. is a regional carrier specializing in short-haul transporting, providing direct service to over seven states in the northeastern United States.  The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh and has terminals in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and retaliation.  Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov