THE AIM OF THIS POLICY

Based on various federal and state laws, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is about making sure that the workplace is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. This means having recruitment and workplace rules, policies, practices and behaviours that are fair and do not disadvantage people because they belong to particular groups.

In such an environment, all workers are valued and respected and have
opportunities to develop their full potential and pursue a career path of their choice. Workforce International's EEO Policy is designed to achieve these outcomes:

• a diverse and skilled workforce
• improved employment access and participation for all
• equal access to jobs, training and other development opportunities
• a workplace culture displaying fair workplace practices and behaviours.
• fair processes to deal with work-related complaints and grievances.
• more co-operative workplace relations and reduced workplace conflict
• increased employee job satisfaction and morale,
• increased productivity.
• a more productive workplace
• improved efficiency of staff and better services to our customers through the selection of the best applicants
• high staff retention rates
• improved quality of work

Fair practices and behaviour

This Policy requires all employees to adhere to fair practices and behaviour in the workplace, including:

• recruitment, selection and promotion practices which are open,
  competitive and based on merit. Merit, which is assessed by clearly
  defined, job-related criteria helps to ensure that the best applicant is selected for the job
• access for all employees to training and development
• flexible working arrangements that meet the needs of all employees and create a productive workplace
• grievance handling procedures that are accessible to all employees and deal with workplace complaints promptly, confidentially and fairly
• communication to give employees access to information and allow their views to be heard
• management decisions made without bias
• no unlawful discrimination or harassment in the workplace, and
• respect for the social and cultural backgrounds of all employees and
  customers.

ELIMINATING DISCRIMINATION

Discrimination is treating someone unfairly or harassing them because they
belong to a particular group. No Workforce International employee shall discriminate against a fellow employee or job applicant because of their:

• age
• sex
• pregnancy
• breast feeding
• impairment or disability (including past, present or possible future disability)
• race, colour, ethnic or ethno-religious background, descent or nationality
• political conviction
• marital status
• status as a carer
• homosexuality or transgender.

Workforce International will not tolerate either direct or indirect discrimination of any kind.

Direct discrimination means treatment that is obviously unfair or unequal. For example, not hiring someone just because they are a woman is likely to be direct sex discrimination.

Indirect discrimination means having a requirement that is the same for everyone but has an effect or result that is unfair to particular groups. For example, not considering an employee's overseas skills and training when determining his or her level of pay can constitute indirect race discrimination.

Every employee is responsible for helping prevent unlawful discrimination in their workplace.

YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THIS POLICY

As a Workforce International employee, you have the right to:

• a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment
• fair practices and behaviour in your workplace
• competitive merit-based selection processes for recruitment or promotion
• training and development that enables you to be productive in your work and to pursue your chosen career path
• equal access to benefits and conditions including flexible working arrangements
• fair aflocation of workloads, and
• fair processes to deal with work-related complaints and grievances.

You also have the responsibility to:

• work to the best of your ability and provide quality service to customers and colleagues
• recognise and respect the skills and talents of other staff members
• act to prevent harassment, discrimination and bullying against others
  in your workplace
• respect cultural and social differences among your colleagues and customers, and
• treat people fairly (don't discriminate against, harass or bully them).

Workforce International supervisors and managers have the same rights and responsibilities as staff members. You also have the additional responsibility to:

• take steps to ensure that all work practices and behaviours are fair in the workplace under your control, including fair allocation of workloads
• ensure the work environment is free from bullying and from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment
• provide employees with information and resources to enable them to carry out their work
• consult employees about decisions that affect them
• provide all employees with equal opportunity to apply for available jobs, higher duties, job rotation schemes and flexible working arrangements
• ensure recruitment and selection processes are transparent and the methods used are consistent
• provide all employees with equal access to fair, prompt and
  confidential processes to deal with complaints and grievances
• give your employees equal access to relevant training and development opportunities.