Instacart Agrees to $5 Million Hiring Settlement

Instacart has agreed to a $5 million settlement with the Justice Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over allegations that its recruitment process for certain jobs disadvantaged U.S. workers. The agreement resolves claims involving the federal Permanent Labor Certification program, or PERM, but does not establish that Instacart violated the law. The company says its hiring practices complied with applicable laws and regulations. The agencies said that, from December 2023 through February 2026, Instacart required U.S. applicants for PERM-listed positions to submit applications by mail, even though its standard recruitment process accepted electronic applications. They said the additional step created a barrier for U.S. job seekers while the company recruited for jobs connected to sponsorship of temporary visa holders for permanent residence. Under the settlement, up to $4 million will be available for applicants and people who were allegedly deterred from applying during that period. A separate $1 million will be paid in civil penalties. The agencies said a claims administrator will determine eligibility for compensation; the agreement’s terms as reported...