Oregon Firm, U.S. Reach Agreement in Sexism Case

A Portland, Ore., company that manufactures aircraft components agreed to pay $3.5 million in back pay to about 1,000 women who federal officials say were limited to “dead-end” jobs and denied advancement opportunities because of their sex.

Precision Castparts Corp. denied allegations of discrimination but entered into negotiations with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and reached the settlement announced Tuesday.

“We hope this sends a clear message that we are fairly and firmly here to enforce the law and protect the rights of working women and minorities,” said Janet L. Ellis, spokeswoman for the office, a division of U.S. Department of Labor that monitors affirmative action programs of government contractors.

During a routine compliance review in 1980, the office said it found that Precision Castparts limited women to certain “traditional” jobs and denied them work in higher-paying departments. The office said the practice occurred between Jan. 1, 1978, and Dec. 31, 1988.

Marvin said the women complained they were “shunted” into assembly-type jobs as opposed to foundry positions or craft-type jobs that require apprenticeships.

“Basically they were in dead-end jobs,” Ellis said.

Former and current women employees who qualify will be notified within 45 days, and individual payments should be distributed by the end of the year, according to the company’s vice president of administration, Roy Marvin. Payments will vary according to years each women worked during the 10-year period, Ellis said.