The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that the company routinely failed to hire women for driver roles since at least March 2020. At the time of the alleged conduct, Republic Services had no female drivers on its staff.
The EEOC’s complaint centered on the experience of Jamie Mendoza, who applied for a driver position in May 2020. During her interview, company managers told Mendoza that "female drivers had not worked out in the past" and suggested she "carefully consider whether she wanted the position" because the company would have to build a locker room with a shower for female drivers if she were hired.
When Mendoza followed up and indicated she wanted the job, Republic Services rejected her application and hired a less-qualified male candidate instead.
The EEOC filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri under case number 23-3308-MDH after pre-litigation conciliation efforts failed. The agency alleged the conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Andrea G. Baran, regional attorney for the EEOC’s St. Louis District, stated, "When employers make hiring decisions based on sex, rather than qualifications, both the employer and the applicants suffer."
David S. Davis, district director for the EEOC’s St. Louis District Office, added, "Every worker deserves a fair shot at a job regardless of their sex."
Under the terms of the settlement, Republic Services must implement anti-discrimination training and revise its hiring practices to ensure compliance with Title VII. The company is also required to post notices regarding employees' rights and report on its hiring practices for female driver positions to the EEOC.