Del Monte Fresh Produce (NYSE: FDP) has agreed to pay US$1.2 million to around 150 Thai workers who had alleged discriminatory practices from the multinational on Hawaii farms.

The payment settles the case filed on the workers' behalf against Del Monte's Hawaii subsidiary by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commision (EEOC) in 2011.

The company has also partnered with the EEOC to set an example in the U.S. farming industry by championing and ensuring equal employment rights and opportunities.

This includes ways to ensure farm labor contractors (FLCs) put out policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination, communicated in a language that can be understood by workers.

Del Monte will also establish mechanisms for for FLCs to notify workers about their rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, letting them know how to submit discrimination complaints.

To ensure the practices are upheld, the multinational will designate a compliance officer to oversee FLCs to make sure they meet Title VII requirements, and the business will also conduct audits.

EEOC General Counsel David Lopez said he was pleased the parties were able to resolve this case without resorting to prolonged and expensive litigation".

"We are hopeful that this resolution will provide a model for the agricultural industry to ensure that farm contractors comply with anti-discrimination laws."

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