News-August-04-2026
August 4, 2026 — The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division announced a $3.2 million settlement with OpenAI OpCo LLC and its subsidiary Statsig Inc. over allegations that the companies discriminated against U.S. workers during recruitment under the Permanent Labor Certification program.[1][2]
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[edit]- Justice Department settles OpenAI worker-discrimination allegations
Justice Department settles OpenAI worker-discrimination allegations
[edit]The department alleged that OpenAI and Statsig violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by preferring workers with temporary employment visas over U.S. workers while recruiting for positions through the PERM process.[1][2] The investigation found that OpenAI did not place the PERM positions on its external careers website, required paper applications although other positions allowed electronic applications, and used other recruitment practices that discouraged U.S. workers from applying.[1]
Under the settlement, OpenAI will pay $1.2 million in civil penalties and establish a $2 million back-pay fund for affected workers.[1][2] The agreement also requires public posting and electronic applications for PERM positions, employee training, revised employment policies, and Justice Department monitoring and reporting.[1][2]