The U.S. Department of Labor has reached a consent decree with DISH Network, requiring the company to provide its equal employment opportunity practices documentation for compliance review. This action follows an administrative complaint filed in August 2023 by the department, which alleged that DISH Network failed to submit necessary information for a compliance review at its Roseland, New Jersey location.
"Failure to provide required documentation for a compliance review is a clear violation of the legal obligations of a federal contractor," stated Michele Hodge, Acting Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). "The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is responsible for ensuring that employers doing business with the federal government comply with laws and regulations requiring nondiscrimination."
The department initiated compliance reviews at 12 DISH Network locations starting in 2018, based on contracts with the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. DISH Network had refused participation, arguing their contracts did not meet the threshold value necessitating submission of an affirmative action program.
Under the consent decree, DISH Network will provide current affirmative action programs and supporting data for nine establishments still in operation, including Roseland. Two locations must submit data by December 31, 2024, while the rest have until June 30, 2025.
"The Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that all federal contractors uphold their legal responsibilities," said Seema Nanda, Solicitor of Labor. "This agreement represents a significant step in holding DISH Network accountable for its actions and ensuring compliance with federal requirements."
In May 2024, during litigation proceedings, the Office of Administrative Law Judges denied DISH Network's motion to avoid expedited hearing procedures designed for faster resolution of specific issues.
The OFCCP’s New Jersey District Office will conduct the Roseland establishment's compliance review. The case is being litigated by the New York Regional Office of the Solicitor.
DISH Network operates as a subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., based in Englewood, Colorado. EchoStar provides technology and networking services globally.
OFCCP enforces Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974—all prohibiting employment discrimination.
