The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently singled-out construction (specifically naming the industry) for what it claims is a lack of diversity. The reference was included in the Commission’s latest , the official operating roadmap or strategic enforcement plan (SEP) that will guide the agency’s enforcement efforts through 2027. In essence, the EEOC has put the entire industry on notice to expect more scrutiny and possibly increased enforcement and legal procedures to right what it considers racial, gender, and other inequities/imbalances in the composition or make-up of the workforce. Of course, it has long been known to the industry that it does not attract large enough numbers of women and minorities to its workforce, but that is NOT necessarily due to discrimination or prejudices, but possibly to the nature of the work. Programs like ACE Mentor of America, Safety Week Initiative, and DEI efforts all address aspects of attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse workforce.
For more information see, the EEOC’s proposed strategic enforcement plan. [Also of note: CIRT’s Spring Conference will have a panel session on Workforce/Talent that will include this subject, Wed. morning, April 26th].
