Workshop highlights the best Equal Employment Opportunities practices

Whether you are dealing with a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Human Rights Commission, or even a lawsuit filed with the same two organizations, the results can be a drain to your mental and financial resources. Studies show that complaints of employment discrimination have been known to lead to morale issues at the workplace and negatively impact creativity and productivity. Our seminar will cover these relevant topics, and attendees were encouraged to ask questions about their own internal EEO policies, as well as anything else they may have heard about and needed more clarification.

This workshop was designed to educate small businesses and help owners and managers focus on running a successful business by maintaining a strong equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy. This is the second year the Maine State Chamber has partnered with the Maine Human Rights Commission and the Boston Regional Office of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission to bring this informative and timely program to Maine employers.
      
To begin the training, Amy Sneirson, executive director of the Maine Human Rights Commission, outlined agency trends and recent litigation. Elizabeth Marcus, head of the EEOC’s Mediation Program for New England, followed with more about the EEOC’s early dispute resolution program, as well as program updates and best practices for success. Anthony Pino, EEOC enforcement manager from the Boston district office, outlined the five-point initiative from Janet Dhillon, the EEOC chair and highlighted different forms of retaliation, as well as offered participants practical tips to keep retaliation out of the workplace. 
      
Thank you to our seminar’s sponsors for their support:

• Breakfast sponsor: Verrill;
  
• Premier sponsor: Harvard Pilgrim; and,
• Supporting sponsor: Corning, Inc.