01:33 PM EDT, 05/21/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Caterpillar ( CAT ) agreed to pay $800,000 to settle allegations of "systemic hiring discrimination" against Black applicants at an Illinois production facility, the US Labor Department said Tuesday.

The settlement funds will cover back wages and interest for the affected applicants, and Caterpillar ( CAT ) will employ 34 individuals deemed eligible, the agency said.

"The company also agreed to ensure its hiring policies and procedures are free from discrimination and provide training to all managers, supervisors and other company officials who oversee hiring decisions," the agency said.

The case involved 60 Black applicants for fabrication positions at Caterpillar's ( CAT ) Decatur. Illinois, plant from March 30, 2018, and March 30, 2020, the agency said.

Caterpillar ( CAT ) couldn't be reached immediately for comment.

Shares of the company fell 1.2% in recent Tuesday trading,

Price: 358.41, Change: -4.34, Percent Change: -1.20