Cherry Hill Car Dealership Settles $150K Discrimination Suit

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A Cherry Hill car dealership will pay $150,000 to settle a federal pay discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced.

Winner Ford of Cherry Hill was accused of paying its Chinese emergency and accessory installation (EAI) technicians less than technicians at the same location who weren’t Chinese. They were paid up to $3 an hour less than other technicians who were doing the same work and — in some cases — had less experience, according to the EEOC.

When one of the employees complained, the EEOC alleges that employee was reprimanded and warned not to seek legal advice or he would be out of a job. The issue dates back to 2010, according to EEOC.

In addition to the $150,000 in lost wages and other damages to the class members, the three-year consent decree prohibits Winner Ford from discriminating based on national origin, including in compensation, or engaging in retaliation.

Winner Ford must also implement an anti-discrimination policy to all employees, applicants and new hires, according to the settlement. It must also provide training on federal EEO laws to all managers and employees involved in setting wages or handling discrimination complaints, and post a notice regarding the settlement.

"Workers deserve equal pay for equal work,” EEOC Regional Attorney Debra M. Lawrence said. “We are pleased that Winner Ford worked with us to address these pay disparities and that it will take affirmative measures to ensure that no workers are paid less based on national origin."

"Strong enforcement of the pay laws is one of the Commission's priority issues,” EEOC District Director Kevin Berry said. “The EEOC provides resources, including outreach and training, to assist employers in abiding by these laws, but we will litigate when an employer makes unlawful employment decisions."

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