Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Orders Philadelphia Staffing Agency to Pay $1,573 for National Origin Discrimination

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission ordered K-12 Staffing of Philadelphia to pay Paul Musumba, also of Philadelphia, for discriminating against him based on his Kenyan national origin. The order took effect Tuesday, June 25.

Musumba filed a complaint alleging that K-12 did not pay him for 17 of the 27 days he worked as a substitute teacher during September and October 2011. The complaint alleged the company's action was based on his national origin. 

K-12, a staffing agency that provides substitute teachers for charter schools, did not file a legal answer to the complaint and failed to appear at a hearing to determine damages.

The commission held K-12 liable for illegal discrimination and ordered the company to cease discriminating against employees based on their national origin and pay Musumba $1,430, plus interest, for unpaid wages. To date, interest brings his award to $1,573.

"It is illegal not to pay someone based on his or her national origin," Commission Executive Director JoAnn Edwards said. "Employers who ignore discrimination charges risk being held liable for illegal discrimination. Answering charges is a legal obligation."

The company has 30 days to report to the commission how it will comply with the order.

Learn more about illegal discrimination and equal employment opportunity in Pennsylvania at www.phrc.state.pa.us. 

Media contact: Shannon Powers, 717-783-8266

SOURCE Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

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