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Tim Nelson

Jennie-O settles sex discrimination suit

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Turkey processor Jennie-O Turkey Store has agreed to pay back wages and hire dozens of women in the wake of a federal labor investigation.

A U.S. Department of Labor lawsuit alleged the Willmar, Minn.-based company discriminated against qualified female applicants who were looking for jobs at the company from February 2009 to February 2010. The labor department said an administrative law judge has approved a consent decree in the case.

The labor department says the company will have to pay $492,000 in back wages to 339 women who were denied entry level jobs at a turkey processing facility in Willmar. The company will also hire 53 women. Officials say the company also agreed to train personnel to ensure fair hiring in the future.

Federal officials say they're looking to identify eligible applicants to the company and they've set up a website to find people eligible for money or job placement. Interested parties can also call 877-716-9783.

The company has nearly 7,000 employees who produce more than 1,500 products for worldwide distribution. Jennie-O is also a major supplier to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for food provided to schools and food banks. The labor department says the company is the second largest turkey supplier to retail and food service operations.

In a statement, Austin, Minn.-based parent company Hormel Foods denied wrongdoing and said it disagrees with the labor department claims. But a spokesperson said a settlement would end the matter and allow the company to move forward with its business.