Orange County California Discrimination Attorney

Affirmative Action

Definition

Affirmative action is a system put in place to increase the representation of women and minorities in the areas of employment, education, and business from which they have been traditionally excluded.

How it affects employers

Federal contractors and subcontractors are required to have their covered employers take part in affirmative action by recruiting and advancing qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. These efforts should include training programs, outreach efforts, and other positive steps. Employers should include these procedures in the company’s written personnel policies, implement them, keep them on file, and update them annually.

For Supply and Service Contractors

Non-construction contractors with 50 or more employees and government contracts of $50,000 or more are required to develop and implement a written affirmative action program (AAP) for each establishment. The AAP is a set of specific and result-orientated procedures. It must identify the areas in the contractor’s workforce that reflect utilization of women and minorities.

For Construction Contractors

In contrast to supply and service contractors who develop their own programs, the government establishes goals and specifies affirmative action for construction contractors which must be undertaken by federal and federally assisted construction contractors. The specific female goal of 6.9% has been in effect since 1980. Construction contractors are not required to develop written affirmative action programs.

If you have been the victim of discrimination or harassment in the workplace because of your race or sex, contact Orange County discrimination attorney Perry Smith at 888.356.2529 for a free consultation. We will discuss your rights and further legal options.