Gaylord Opryland Enters Agreement to Resolve Discrimination Allegations

Marriott Hotel Services Inc.’s Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), in which the company will pay US$630,722 in back wages and interest to resolve allegations of discrimination against 250 Black, Asian, and female applicants for housekeeping positions during a two-year period.

A routine compliance investigation by the DOL’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) alleged that Gaylord Opryland used hiring practices from August 17, 2018, through August 17, 2020, in violation of Executive Order 11246. That order prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Gaylord Opryland provides conference, lodging, and rental spaces to multiple federal agencies, including the Office of Acquisitions Management.

While neither admitting or denying the allegations, Gaylord Opryland entered into an early resolution conciliation agreement and agreed to take steps to ensure its selection process, personnel practices, and hiring policies are free from discrimination and that its recordkeeping methods meet legal requirements. The employer will also offer jobs to 49 affected applicants as positions become available.

“Federal contractors’ employment practices must not discriminate,” said OFCCP Southeast Regional Director Aida Collins in Atlanta. “Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center worked cooperatively with the U.S. Department of Labor to resolve our concerns. They also demonstrated their commitment to make appropriate changes to their hiring process and provide equal employment opportunities.”