MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — A federal agreement requires a Kansas pharmaceutical plant accused of gender discrimination to pay about $400,000 in back wages and hire more women. The U.S. Department of Labor says the Hospira plant in McPherson was accused of hiring a smaller percentage of women than men for pharmacy attendant positions in 2012. The Hutchinson News reports that Hospira doesn't admit any liability in the settlement and says it believes plant hiring practices have been fair. The Labor Department says Hospira received applications for pharmacy attendant positions from 160 women, of whom 15 were hired. The company also received 199 applicants from men, of whom 45 were hired. Hospira will hire 11 more women and pay $400,000 in back wages and interest to women denied jobs.
