Fudge, Kucinich Request Investigation into Possible Discriminatory Practices at DFAS

CLEVELAND -U.S. Representatives Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio) and Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) today called on the Acting Comptroller General of the United States and the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DOD) to investigate possible violations of fair labor practices and possible discrimination against African American employees at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). A significant number of employees at the Cleveland and other DFAS locations have been indefinitely suspended or terminated, despite long-term employment with the agency.

“We are writing to apprise you of a policy at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service…which may be discriminatory, in violation of fair labor practices, and otherwise illegal,” wrote Fudge and Kucinich. “The DFAS employees who were fired have allegedly gotten behind on some of their personal credit payments. However, very few employees could withstand the scrutiny DFAS has imposed, especially during the current recession and the financial and housing crisis which caused it.”

“It is noteworthy that 85% of the DFAS employees suspended or terminated…are African Americans. The African American community in Cleveland and elsewhere has been disproportionately affected by predatory lending and the foreclosure crisis which followed.”

Congressman Kucinich and Congresswoman Fudge are expected to hold a joint press conference on Monday to discuss these actions and other actions that will be taken.