When you think of jobs traditionally dominated by men, driving a garbage truck probably tops the list—right up there with lumberjacking and pro wrestling. But that kind of thinking is exactly what got Waste Industries and GFL Environmental into hot water with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In a case that shines a spotlight on workplace equality (and perhaps some outdated stereotypes), the companies have agreed to pay $3.1 million to settle a sex discrimination lawsuit.
The case began when the EEOC alleged that since 2016, Waste Industries had been consistently passing over qualified female applicants for truck driver positions at their Georgia locations. These women were not only qualified for the job, but they also had to endure sexist questions during the interview process, such as the all-too-enlightened, “Why would you want to do a man’s job?” (One wonders if anyone asked the men why they wanted to do a job where they could face rain, heat, and the occasional uncooperative trash bag, but I digress.)
Rather than basing hiring decisions on skills and qualifications, Waste Industries allegedly relied on outdated sex-based stereotypes. And, unsurprisingly, they often opted for less qualified male applicants over their female counterparts. This clear violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 didn’t sit well with the EEOC, which promptly brought a lawsuit to rectify the situation.
As part of the settlement, the $3.1 million will be distributed among the women who were denied these truck driver positions due to their sex. But beyond the monetary compensation, Waste Industries is also making some much-needed changes to their hiring practices. They’ll be implementing new recruitment and outreach strategies to attract more qualified female drivers, ensuring anti-discrimination training for their employees, and—perhaps most importantly—allowing the EEOC to monitor complaints of sex discrimination. In other words, they’re putting their hiring practices in the rearview mirror and making room for women behind the wheel.
EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows summed it up best when she said, “This consent decree is a significant step towards breaking down the barriers that have kept women from being hired in traditionally male-dominated fields.” She added that the EEOC will continue its work to ensure that women have the same opportunities as men in every field, including those that might typically require steel-toed boots and a strong stomach.
For Waste Industries, the settlement is a chance to make amends and show their commitment to diversity. It’s about time, too—after all, everyone deserves a fair shot at driving the big rigs, whether or not they can grow a beard.
So, here’s to the women who are about to start their engines and roll into the world of waste management—it’s proof that when it comes to driving progress (and garbage trucks), gender should never be a roadblock. The recent $3.1 million gender discrimination settlement involving Waste Industries underscores the importance of understanding employment laws and conducting thorough internal investigations. At HRTrainingClasses.com, our Employee Relations Internal Investigations Certificate Program equips you to handle sensitive complaints, while our Employment Laws Certificate Program ensures compliance with key laws like Title VII, ADA, and more. Protect your organization and foster a fair, compliant workplace by enrolling today!
Elga Lejarza
Founder/CEO
HRDevelop.com
