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EMPLOYMENT LAW — 5/5/06

EEOC settles national origin lawsuit for $400,000

The EEOC has settled its national origin discrimination lawsuit against the successor of U S WEST Communications, Qwest Communications International Inc, for $400,000, the agency has announced. The EEOC obtained the settlement on behalf of a class of Hispanic employees whom the EEOC alleged were denied promotions to management jobs at the company's Portland, Oregon facilities from 1998 through 2001. Quest has denied these allegations.

According to its website, Qwest Communications has headquarters in Denver, Colorado, maintains a broadband network that serves 14 western and mid-western states and employs nearly 40,000 people. Qwest acquired U S WEST Communications Inc in June 2000.

In addition to paying the Hispanic employees $400,000 under the terms of the proposed two-year consent decree, Qwest will maintain its annual employment discrimination training and continue to provide training to hiring managers in Portland, Oregon. The company will also provide annual reports to the EEOC for the duration of the decree.

"We are committed to fighting discrimination in all its forms and in every jurisdiction. This settlement represents a fair and equitable resolution of the disputed issues in the case," said EEOC San Francisco Regional Attorney William R. Tamayo. "Employers cannot make promotion decisions that discriminate on the basis of national origin," said EEOC San Francisco District Office Director Joan Ehrlich. "Employers should not only avoid discrimination, but should find ways to build on the assets diversity brings."

Qwest's Oregon president Judy Peppler said, "Valuing diversity and treating fellow Qwest team members with respect and trust have long been and remain central to our corporate values."

For more information on this and other topics, consult CCH Employment Practices Guide or CCH Labor Relations.

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