NEW YORK MILLS  (AP) - The federal government is suing Brunswick Corp. and Lund Boat Co. over alleged sex discrimination at a Lund boat plant in Minnesota.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs filed the administrative complaint Thursday.

The complaint alleges the companies systematically discriminated against more than 200 women who applied for entry-level jobs at Lund's plant in New York Mills.

Lund is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lake Forest, Ill.-based Brunswick.

Federal contractors like Brunswick are required to ensure that qualified job applicants receive equal consideration regardless of sex.

The complaint seeks lost wages, interest and benefits. The agency also asks that job offers be extended to at least 27 women in the original group of applicants.

A Brunswick representative declined to comment since the litigation is pending.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

More From AM 1240 WJON