In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) celebrates the rich cultures, history, and accomplishments of the Hispanic community. At OFCCP, we are passionate about building workplaces that ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to the success of our economy and our nation. Eliminating workplace discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity or national origin is a central part of our mission.

In his Presidential Proclamation, President Biden stated:

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm that diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths. We also acknowledge the Hispanic leaders who have stayed in the struggle for equal justice to ensure that everyone in this Nation can contribute their talents and have the opportunity to thrive.

The President’s words are a reminder of how Hispanic Americans have contributed immensely to America’s success. Hispanic workers participate in the labor force at a higher rate than any other demographic group, but they continue to encounter prejudice and discrimination that impede their ability to fully participate in the workplace.

A December 2021 report by McKinsey & Company found that “Latino workers are overrepresented in lower-wage occupations, underrepresented in higher-wage occupations, and generally paid less than non-Latino White workers in the same occupational categories.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hispanic workers earn a median weekly income of $812 for full-time employment, compared to White workers who earn $1,068.

OFCCP protects workers and enforces the legal and contractual promises by federal contractors and subcontractors to advance equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Since Fiscal Year 2021, OFCCP has recovered more than $890,000 for more than 300 Hispanic workers who we found to have experienced workplace discrimination. Notable resolutions achieved by the agency on behalf of Hispanic workers include the following:

• On October 6, 2021, OFCCP and Thomson Reuters Corp. announced a conciliation agreement to resolve allegations that the company systemically discriminated against Hispanic, Black, and female employees working in administrative and technical professional and client specialist positions at its New York headquarters. Thomson Reuters agreed to pay $550,000 in back wages and interest to 113 affected workers. 

• On October 4, 2021, OFCCP and AstraZeneca announced a conciliation agreement to resolve alleged race and gender-based pay discrimination affecting female and Hispanic employees at its North American commercial headquarters in Wilmington, DE. AstraZeneca agreed to pay $560,000 in back pay and interest to 318 employees.

Over the past half-century, we have helped define and defend equal opportunity in the American workplace. OFCCP will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate barriers to opportunity facing Hispanic workers and work with federal contractors and subcontractors to ensure their workplaces are free from discrimination.