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Sec. 11-136. - Policy statement.#
(a)
In conformance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, it is the policy of the city to foster and actively promote equal opportunity in employment on the basis of ability to perform work, and to eliminate and prevent discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, handicap and national origin within the city service and the jurisdiction of the city.
(b)
One of the most complex and tragic problems confronting the nation today is the absence of true equal opportunity for all people. While there have been civil rights laws enacted during the past to ensure such equality, many individuals and institutions have been negligent in meeting the requirements of these laws, to the extent that equal opportunity for all people, in fact, is not a reality.
(c)
The denial of equal access to opportunities for development and growth has permitted discrimination to continue in a variety of forms. Therefore, proposed remedies must go beyond the mere announcement of an equal opportunity policy. We recognize and accept the responsibility to design and implement programs which strike at the total problem rather than simple overt manifestations. We must strive aggressively to ensure the entry and growth of minorities and women in our work force until it is emphatically clear that equality of opportunity in the city is a reality.
(d)
To achieve ultimate effectiveness in affirmative action, our efforts toward equal opportunity for all people must extend above and beyond the letter of the law; that is, total commitment to this goal on the part of every city employee. The city shall further move to solicit free and equal access by minorities and women to all of its services, including participation in its activities and representation on its boards and commissions. Your cooperation and support in affirmative action program efforts is essential in assuring equal opportunity in the city.
(Rev. Ords. 1987, § 11-136)
Sec. 11-137. - Purpose.#
(a)
The purpose of this affirmative action plan is to ensure equitable employment opportunities in municipal departments for all minority groups and women. This plan would further enhance the city's effort to voluntarily comply with title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246, as amended, and all state and local laws pertaining to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.
(b)
This plan is also intended to ensure equitable participation of all minorities and females in all occupational classifications. The provisions of this plan would further ensure that contractors engaged in municipal work are nondiscriminatory.
(Rev. Ords. 1987, § 11-137)
Sec. 11-138. - Definitions.#
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Affirmative action means the planned, aggressive, coherent management program to provide for equal employment opportunity.
Affirmative action committee means the affirmative action committee of the city.
Affirmative action officer means the affirmative action officer of the city.
Affirmative action plan means the written document through which management assures that all persons have equal opportunities in all personnel activities.
Employee means all persons receiving compensation or salary from municipal monies derived from federal, state or local sources.
Equal employment opportunity means the employer's posture that all personnel activities will be conducted in a manner so as to ensure equal opportunity for all. Such activities will be based solely on the individual merit and fitness of applicants and employees.
Minority means persons of African descent, or with an American Indian, Asian, Cape Verdean or Spanish surname.
Personnel activities means recruitment, selection, appointment, promotions, testing, training, discipline and all other managerial areas.
Plan means the method used to implement the policies outlined in this article.
Program means the goals, objectives and timetables, as outlined in this article and that may, from time to time, be changed, superseded, amended and reclassified.
Underutilization means having fewer minorities or women in a particular job classification than would reasonably be expected by their availability.
(Rev. Ords. 1987, § 11-138)
Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.
Sec. 11-139. - Dissemination.#
(a)
The city shall publicize its affirmative action plan both internally and externally. The mayor shall issue to all departments a written statement of the commitment of the city to its affirmative action programs in order to create equal employment opportunity. This communication shall include copies of the affirmative action plan and policy statement.
(b)
The affirmative action plan shall be included in all employee manuals and the city equal employment opportunity policy statement will be posted in conspicuous locations in all departments and agency offices within the municipal structure of the city. All city employees shall receive a copy of the affirmative action plan upon request.
(c)
The city shall disseminate information concerning its commitment to affirmative action to all recruitment sources. This information will include a statement of the equal employment opportunity policy of the city. A list of recruitment sources to be utilized by the city is available in the office of the affirmative action officer.
(d)
The city shall also contact the appropriate news media, public and private employment agencies, and educational institutions functioning in the greater East Providence area and provide each with the affirmative action policy statement and equal employment opportunity information mentioned above.
(e)
The city shall notify all general contractors, subcontractors, vendors and suppliers doing business with the city of its affirmative action plan and equal opportunity policy and shall request similar supportive action. All firms and businesses performing services for the city shall adhere to an equal opportunity policy.
(Rev. Ords. 1987, § 11-139; Ch. 877, § I, 6-6-23)