Gerber hit with fine for unfair hiring practices in Fort Smith

Gerber Products Co. has agreed to pay $900,000 to 1,912 minorities and females for hiring discrimination, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The company is also obligated under the agreement to hire 61 entry-level jobs to minorities and women, of which 11 have been hired, according to the statement.

The DOL statement explained that during a scheduled compliance evaluation of Gerber’s Fort Smith plant, federal investigators found a hiring disparity caused in part by “inconsistent selection procedures for entry-level positions.” The investigators also alleged that Gerber’s pre-employment tests “negatively impacted minority applicants and determined that there was insufficient evidence of validity to support Gerber’s use of the test.”

“Under the terms of the conciliation agreement, Gerber will not only pay 1,912 minority and female applicants $900,000 in back pay and interest, but will provide 61 entry-level positions, 11 of whom have already been hired,” noted the DOL statement. “The company has also agreed to undertake extensive self-monitoring measures to ensure that all hiring practices fully comply with the law and immediately correct any discriminatory practice.”

Gerber recently announced it may add a cereal manufacturing line to its Fort Smith plant. The $65 million investment in Gerber’s 900,000-square-foot plant might result in 37 new full-time jobs. Gerber employs between 600-650 at its Fort Smith operation.