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Western Global Airlines Inc. has agreed to pay over $84,000 in back wages and interest to settle claims that it underpaid female employees in comparison to their male counterparts, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced Tuesday. The settlement follows a preliminary investigation by the DOL’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which found that the airline violated federal rules by paying women less than men in similar roles.

Cargo Airline $84K Deal : OFCCP Investigation and Settlement

The DOL’s investigation uncovered wage disparities for female managers, support professionals, technicians, and administrators at the airline's Estero, Florida facility. These actions violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating based on gender. Western Global Airlines has held $4.5 million in federal contracts since 2023, providing air freight services to the U.S. Department of Defense.

As part of the $84,727 settlement, the airline will provide $71,180 in back pay, $8,798 in interest, and $4,750 in bonuses to the affected employees. Additionally, Western Global agreed to raise the base salaries of 11 female employees by $157,000.

Commitments to Future Equality

Under the conciliation agreement, the airline will review its compensation practices annually to prevent further gender-based disparities. It also committed to providing compensation-related training for employees responsible for setting pay. Progress reports detailing the implementation of these changes will be submitted to the DOL.

Diana Sen, acting Southeast Regional Director for the OFCCP, emphasized the responsibility of federal contractors to ensure non-discriminatory practices: "Western Global Airlines must ensure their employment practices are free of discrimination and provide all employees with equal opportunities."