
Lincoln Electric Co. is a federal contractor that manufactures welding, cutting, and joining products for the federal government. Lincoln Electric has held federal contracts worth over $2 million since 2005. The company was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) in 2014 for allegations of hiring discrimination on the basis of race. The investigation found that Lincoln Electric's hiring process resulted in systemic discrimination against African American applicants for entry-level factory and production positions. As a result, Lincoln Electric agreed to settle the allegations by paying $1 million in back wages and interest to the affected job seekers and offering them entry-level positions as they became available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Electric Co.'s Status | Federal Contractor |
| Lincoln Electric Co.'s Violation | Used a hiring process that resulted in systemic discrimination against African Americans applicants |
| Lincoln Electric Co.'s Action Item | Lincoln Electric will pay $1 million in back wages and interest to the 5,557 affected job seekers and will offer entry-level positions to 48 class members as positions become available |
| Lincoln Electric Co.'s Compliance | Lincoln Electric complies with regulations set forth by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs |
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What You'll Learn

Lincoln Electric Co. is a federal contractor
Lincoln Electric Co. was founded in 1895 by engineer John C. Lincoln to manufacture an industrial motor of his own design. The company has an international reputation as a pioneer in arc welding and for its innovative employee profit-sharing program. Lincoln Electric Co. has a long history of innovation, including the development of various motors, dynamos, and motor-generator sets, which contributed to the success of its arc welding equipment.
As a federal contractor, Lincoln Electric Co. is subject to the regulations set forth by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). In 2014, the company settled allegations of hiring discrimination on the basis of race following an investigation by the OFCCP. The investigation found that Lincoln Electric Co.'s hiring processes resulted in systemic discrimination against African American applicants for entry-level factory and production positions at its Cleveland facility. As a result, the company agreed to pay $1 million in back wages and interest to the affected job seekers and to offer them entry-level positions as they became available.
Lincoln Electric Co. is committed to creating a better, smarter, and faster world through its global manufacturing and automation expertise. The company's products and solutions provide critical bonds in various industries, including transportation and infrastructure. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to equal employment opportunities, Lincoln Electric Co. continues to play a significant role in advancing various industries and promoting fairness in its hiring practices as a federal contractor.
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Lincoln Electric Co. settled discrimination charges
Lincoln Electric System (LES) is a public power partner that has been powering homes, businesses, and governmental properties in Lincoln and the surrounding area for nearly 60 years.
Lincoln Electric Co. is a federal contractor that has held over $2 million in federal contracts since 2005 to manufacture welding, cutting, and joining products for the federal government.
In 2014, Lincoln Electric Co. settled allegations of racial discrimination in hiring from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). The OFCCP found that Lincoln Electric's hiring process resulted in systemic discrimination against African American applicants for entry-level factory and production positions at its Cleveland facility. As a result, 5,557 qualified African Americans were rejected for these positions.
Under the terms of the 2014 conciliation agreement, Lincoln Electric agreed to pay $1 million in back wages and interest to the 5,557 affected job seekers. Additionally, the company offered entry-level positions to 48 class members as positions become available and revised its selection policies and procedures to ensure equal employment opportunities.
This was the second time Lincoln Electric Co. settled discrimination charges, with the first settlement occurring in 2003. In that case, the company was found to have discriminated against minorities and women who applied for entry-level factory jobs and paid $1 million in back pay and interest to the affected workers.
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Lincoln Electric Co. paid $1 million in back wages
Lincoln Electric Systems (LES) is a public power partner that has been powering homes, businesses, and governmental properties in Lincoln and the surrounding areas for nearly 60 years.
Lincoln Electric Co., on the other hand, is a federal contractor that manufactures welding, cutting, and joining products for the federal government. Lincoln Electric has held federal contracts worth over $2 million since 2005.
In 2014, Lincoln Electric Co. was found to have discriminated against 5,557 African Americans who had applied for jobs at its Cleveland facility. The company was made to pay $1 million in back wages and interest to the affected job seekers and offer them entry-level positions as they became available. Lincoln Electric Co. was also required to revise its selection and hiring procedures and policies to ensure equal employment opportunities for all applicants in the future.
This was not the first time Lincoln Electric Co. had been cited for such violations. In 2003, the company settled a similar discrimination charge by paying $1 million in back pay and interest to affected workers. Lincoln Electric Co. has been a repeat offender, discriminating against minorities and women in entry-level positions. These actions are in violation of multiple laws and standards that require federal contractors and subcontractors not to discriminate based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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Lincoln Electric Co. revised selection policies
Lincoln Electric Co. is a pioneer in arc welding and is known for its innovative employee profit-sharing program. The company was founded in 1895 by engineer John C. Lincoln, who aimed to manufacture an industrial motor of his own design. Over the years, Lincoln Electric has expanded globally, with manufacturing locations in 18 countries and a presence in over 160 countries.
In 2014, Lincoln Electric Co. faced allegations of hiring discrimination on the basis of race at its Cleveland, Ohio facility. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) found that the company violated Executive Order 11246, resulting in systemic discrimination against African American applicants. As a result, Lincoln Electric agreed to settle the charges and make changes to its selection policies and procedures to ensure equal employment opportunities.
The revised selection policies of Lincoln Electric Co. aim to create a fair and inclusive hiring process that complies with federal regulations. Here are the key components of the revised policies:
- Elimination of Barriers: Lincoln Electric has removed any barriers that disproportionately impact African American applicants in their paper and online application systems. This includes changes to the application forms, as well as pre-and post-application tests, to ensure they are accessible and do not create an unfair advantage or disadvantage for any group.
- Validation of Selection Procedures: The company has conducted a comprehensive validation study to ensure that its selection procedures meet the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection. This involves demonstrating that the content and requirements of the selection procedures are directly related to the skills, knowledge, or abilities needed for successful job performance.
- Diversity and Inclusion Training: Lincoln Electric has implemented mandatory diversity and inclusion training for all employees involved in the hiring process. This training covers topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and best practices for inclusive recruitment.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The company has established a monitoring system to regularly evaluate its selection processes and identify any potential disparities or discriminatory impacts. This includes collecting and analyzing data on applicant demographics, selection rates, and promotion rates to ensure that the policies are effective and equitable.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Lincoln Electric has developed a clear and concise equal employment opportunity statement that is prominently displayed in all job advertisements and on its website. The statement affirms the company's commitment to providing equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin.
- Accommodations for Applicants with Disabilities: In compliance with federal regulations, Lincoln Electric offers reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the application and interview processes. This includes providing alternative formats for applications, offering sign language interpreters for interviews, or making facilities accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.
These revised selection policies demonstrate Lincoln Electric Co.'s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that provides equal opportunities for all qualified individuals. By addressing past discrimination and proactively implementing inclusive practices, the company strives to foster a culture that values and embraces diversity.
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Lincoln Electric Co. complies with federal regulations
As a federal contractor, Lincoln Electric Co. has held millions of dollars in federal contracts to manufacture welding, cutting, and joining products for the US government. In doing so, the company has committed to complying with regulations set forth by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). This includes ensuring equal employment opportunities and non-discrimination in hiring, as outlined in Executive Order 11246.
In 2014, Lincoln Electric Co. settled allegations of hiring discrimination on the basis of race following an investigation by the US Department of Labor's OFCCP. The company agreed to pay $1 million in back wages and interest to 5,557 affected African American job seekers and offer them entry-level positions as they became available. Lincoln Electric also agreed to revise its selection policies and procedures to ensure equal opportunity for all job applicants.
Lincoln Electric Co. has expressed its commitment to creating a better, smarter, and faster world through its global manufacturing and automation expertise. The company's innovative employee profit-sharing program and unique incentive system have contributed to its success and stability, even during challenging economic periods.
By complying with federal regulations and promoting equal employment opportunities, Lincoln Electric Co. demonstrates its dedication to ethical practices and its role in creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. The company's efforts to revise its hiring processes and selection policies further reinforce its commitment to compliance and continuous improvement.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lincoln Electric Co. is a federal contractor.
Lincoln Electric Co. is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.
Yes, Lincoln Electric Co. settled discrimination charges in 2003 and 2014.
Lincoln Electric Co. agreed to pay $1 million in back wages and interest to 5,557 affected job seekers and offer them entry-level positions as they became available.
Lincoln Electric Co. has revised its selection policies and procedures, including making changes to its online application test, to ensure equal employment opportunities for all.











































