HYRUM, Utah – The US Labor Department filed a lawsuit against JBS USA, alleging the company systematically discriminated against qualified applicants for entry-level jobs at the company's meat-processing plant in Hyrum, Utah, The Associated Press reported. A JBS USA spokesman said the company had no comment at this time.

The lawsuit was filed after an investigation by the Labor Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. In its complaint, the department accuses JBS of discriminating against, female, Caucasian, African-American and Native American applicants.


The lawsuit jeopardizes the company's contracts with the government. Federal law makes it illegal for federal contractors to discriminate against someone on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and status as a protected veteran.