Edina-based Nash Finch Co. has agreed to pay $188,500 in back wages and interest to 84 women who were rejected for entry-level positions at its Lumberton , N.C., distribution center, the U.S. Labor Department said Friday.
To settle allegations of discrimination against female applicants, the wholesale food distributor also agreed to offer jobs as they become available to up to 12 women who unsuccessfully sought positions as order selectors in 2006, the department said.
The federal agency had alleged that Nash Finch discriminated against women who applied for such jobs at the North Carolina facility during nine months in 2006.
Nash Finch, the nation's second-largest food distributor, denied acting unlawfully or unfairly, and said no court found that it did. "Nash Finch decided to enter into this court-approved settlement to avoid the costs and time associated with litigation," the company said in a statement.
The company agreed to try to contact women who may be eligible for back pay, interest and jobs. It must also submit progress reports to the department for two years.
David Shaffer • 612-673-7090
