Labor Dept. Sues Md. Contractor Over Alleged Discrimination

JESSUP, Md. (AP) — The Labor Department has sued a Maryland demolition contractor, saying the company discriminated against more than 150 black and Hispanic employees.

According to the lawsuit announced on Tuesday, Potomac Abatement forced at least 145 Hispanic workers into lower-paying jobs because of their race or national origin. The Labor Department also alleges that the Jessup-based company fired at least 17 African-American workers because of their race.

The lawsuit was filed after an investigation by the department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. The alleged violations occurred at construction sites in the Washington area in 2011 and 2012.

Potomac Abatement issued a statement denying the allegations. The statement says the company "is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action in the workplace."

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