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The government awards contracts to companies with histories of misconduct such as contract fraud and environmental, ethics, and labor violations. In the absence of a centralized federal database listing instances of misconduct, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is providing such data. We believe that it will lead to improved contracting decisions and public access to information about how the government spends hundreds of billions of taxpayer money each year on goods and services. Report an instance of misconduct »

General Electric

Mody v. General Electric (Age and Racial Discrimination)

Date: 11/15/2006 (Date of Final Judgment)

Misconduct Type: Labor

Enforcement Agency: Non-Governmental

Contracting Party: None

Court Type: Civil

Amount: $8,168,562

Disposition: Judgment Against Defendant

Synopsis: Dr. Hemant K. Mody, a General Electric Co.-employed engineer of Indian descent, sued the company alleging age and racial discrimination and retaliation. He accused GE of discriminating against him based on his race/national origin and age in matters involving promotions, job assignments and benefits, and then illegally firing him after he complained about the discriminatory treatment. Mody prevailed at trial, ultimately winning $652,768 in back pay, $730,406 in front pay, $626,171 in liquidated damages pursuant to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, $500,000 in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages. In October 2007, the judge reduced the punitive damages award to $5 million, but reiterated his support of the jury’s finding of a “significant degree of reprehensible conduct.” He also awarded Mody, who died in April 2007, $630,129 in attorney fees and $29,088 in costs.