The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs announced that Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. has entered into two consent decrees to settle allegations of sex discrimination. The Dakota Dunes, S.D.–based company will pay a total of $2.25 million in back wages, interest and benefits to more than 1,650 qualified female job applicants who were rejected for employment at facilities in Joslin, Ill.; West Point, Neb.; and Waterloo and Denison, Iowa. Tyson Fresh Meats is a subsidiary of Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc., a federal contractor and one of the world's largest processors of beef and pork. 

"Companies that profit from federal contracts must not discriminate in employment decisions," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's settlement, one of the largest in OFCCP's history, means that women who were unfairly denied job opportunities will be compensated."