BUFFALO, N.Y. – Ford Motor Company agreed to pay $2.3 million to settle a 2021 charge alleging race and national origin harassment claims investigated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) at the auto company’s Buffalo stamping plant, the federal agency announced today.
The EEOC’s investigation found reasonable cause to believe that Ford personnel at the facility subjected numerous employees to harassment and discrimination based on race and national origin. During the investigation, graffiti targeting black employees and employees of various national origins, including Native American and Hispanic workers, was discovered in several employee areas throughout the plant, including bathrooms and break rooms.
Such alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination, including harassment, because of an individual’s race and national origin.
Following the EEOC’s investigation, the parties engaged in the EEOC’s pre-litigation conciliation process, resulting in a conciliation agreement.
“We appreciate Ford’s cooperation throughout this process and the proactive steps taken to improve conditions at the facility during the investigation. Their willingness to engage constructively demonstrates a genuine commitment to fostering a workplace free of discrimination,” said Arlean Nieto, acting director of the EEOC’s New York District. “While the EEOC stands fully prepared to enforce Title VII by any means necessary, we are always encouraged when an employer chooses to work with us in conciliation. This approach allows the agency to secure meaningful relief for workers, strengthen accountability, and help prevent future discrimination without the need for litigation.”
The conciliation agreement provides $2.3 million in monetary relief to a class of eligible claimants and requires Ford to post information explaining the anti-graffiti protocol, conduct regular training at the Buffalo plant, and report to the EEOC regarding any discrimination complaints or graffiti at the facility over the next three years.
During the investigation, Ford voluntarily undertook measures to prevent and address discriminatory graffiti at the Buffalo facility. These actions included upgrading the plant’s surveillance system, coating restroom surfaces with graffiti-repellant materials, and developing a rigorous graffiti reporting and removal protocol. These initiatives have already driven a significant decline in reported graffiti at the plant.
“Ford does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We maintain strict policies against misconduct and thoroughly investigate all allegations, with penalties up to and including termination,” said Bryce Currie, chief manufacturing officer for Ford. “When these issues were brought to our attention, we took action. Over the past several years, we have voluntarily invested more than $3.5 million at our Buffalo Stamping Plant to upgrade security, apply anti-graffiti coatings and improve the overall plant environment. Under new leadership, we have made significant progress and remain committed to keeping this facility a safe, respectful and welcoming workplace. We appreciate partnering with the EEOC to implement these changes.”
