EQUAL EMPLOYMENT 1 What is EEO? EEO is the right of all persons to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability and potential. Federal fair employment laws prohibit discrimination and require the government to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or handicapping condition. Accordingly, Customs policies provide for the fair and equal treatment of employees and applicants for employment in all personnel management and employment decisions. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against because of any factor protected under the fair employment laws (their protected status) may file a complaint of discrimination. Customs also is required to make personnel decisions without regard to marital status or political affiliation; however, these are protections afforded by other laws and cannot be the basis for an EEO complaint. Responsibilities Each Customs employee is responsible for ensuring EEO by treating all co-workers fairly and equally and by fostering a spirit of cooperation and good human relations in a working atmosphere free of prejudice, ill feelings, or resentment. Managers and supervisors who make decisions about hiring, training, performance evaluations, promotions and work assignments must implement EEO as an integral part of personnel management. Customs is committed to providing equal employment opportunity throughout the agency and expects all employees to support its efforts. All managers and Guidelines supervisors are evaluated on their EEO achievements as part of their overall performance. They may support EEO through the following actions: • Participate in EEO program leadership and administration by: -Providing adequate time and budgeting money for the activities of advisory committees and special emphasis programs. -Reviewing available data to assess workforce composition and progress of employees in area under their supervision. -Requesting briefings on selected topics or assistance for themselves and their subordinates from the EEO Office or advisory committee. -Circulating minutes of EEO advisory, Federal Women's Program, Hispanic Employment Program and other committees to staff. • Assist employees to develop their full potential and to utilize their skills to the maximum extent by: -Counseling them on their strengths and weaknesses. -Assisting them to identify and pursue self development activities which enhance their performance and promotion potential. • Demonstrate thoughtful treatment of all employees by: -Carefully planning and providing for equal opportunity in training, recognition, performance appraisals, working conditions, assignments, promotions and other personnel considerations. -Encouraging subordinates to do the same. • Keep abreast of their EEO responsibilities by: -Requesting and attending EEO training. -Reviewing sections of the handbook pertaining to managers and supervisors. -Working closely with the EEO staff on interpreting and implementing EEO requirements. • Participate in EEO activities and encourage subordinates to do the same by: -Volunteering to be an EEO counselor, special emphasis program committee member or EEO advisory committee member. -Attending special emphasis and ethnic observance programs. • Establish effective channels and lines of communication with all employees by: -Keeping them informed of changes in priorities or policies. -Giving frequent feedback on both positive and negative performance. • Rely solely on job-related factors in managing subordinates. • Maintain a harmonious work environment free of discrimination by: -Acting promptly on any complaints of harassment. -Being open to questions about the fairness of assignments, training, and promotions. |