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The state Department of Fair Employment and Housing announced Tuesday that it has finalized a conciliation agreement with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory after an investigation based on a complaint filed in 1999 by nine Asian-American workers. 

The department said the laboratory will contract with an independent performance management expert who will examine the salary and promotion structure in place for engineers and scientists. Guidelines will be developed to ensure a non-discrimination policy and, one year after the guidelines are implemented, the lab's processes will be audited to verify whether or not the recommendations have been achieved. 

Specifically, the independent consultant will examine whether “racial stereotypes have been part of promotions, salaries, rankings and assignments,” the department said. 

Department Director Dennis Hayashi commended the laboratory on moving to reform its employment practices. 

“This agreement represents a true partnership between DFEH and the laboratory to ensure that any discrimination against Asian-Americans will be quickly and firmly addressed and resolved,” Hayashi said.