N.J. School To Pay 34K Settlement After Letting Go Black Student 2 Weeks Before Graduation

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) of Sheet Metal Workers Local 25 will pay $34,500 to a former black apprentice who alleged the organization of racial discrimination after he was let go from the school's program two weeks before graduation, according to nj.com. 

The man claims he had fulfilled all of the requirements of his four-year, eight-term, apprenticeship program - but was still rejected from the program, according to nj.com. 

An investigation lead by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) found the man had made previous complains about treatment from "biased contractors" causing his on-the-job training to be inadequate.  

The EEOC said on their website that in compliance with the $34,500 settlement in their consent decree, the JATC must also reevaluated the way their apprentices are evaluated and appoint an ombudsperson to handle future complaints from students. 

Local 25 represents sheet metal workers in counties all across Northern New Jersey - including Union County. 

To find out more, go here 
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/07/nj_apprentice_school_to_pay_34k_to_settle_racial_discrimina...