Wells Fargo Pays $7.8 Million to Settle Race, Sex Bias Claims

Wells Fargo agreed to pay $7.8 million to settle national claims that it routinely discriminated against black and female job applicants, a violation of antidiscrimination laws.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the national banking institution discriminated against more than 34,000 black applicants for various roles, and 308 female applicants for administrative support jobs.

About the discrimination

Wells Fargo’s alleged actions violated an executive order that prohibits any federal contractors from discriminating against workers based on membership of protected classics like race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation and national origin.

Wells Fargo pursued an early resolution conciliation agreement and took satisfactory action to address the issues found by the OFCCP in its review, according to the OFCCP director. Wells Fargo will pay back wages and interest to the job applications, and agreed to a commitment to hire 580 of the applicants in various roles at its banks, including as tellers, customer sales and service representatives, personal bankers and administrative professionals. The company also agreed to take internal steps to address its HR practices and ensure compliance with all federal laws and requirements.

As part of the settlement, Wells Fargo did not admit to any wrongdoing.

Any form of discrimination against members of protected classes is a violation of multiple labor laws, and could subject the offender to some significant consequences. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination as an applicant or employee, work with an experienced whistleblower attorney at Kardell Law Group on your case to protect your rights.