Equal Employment Opportunity Office
The mission of the Equal Employment Opportunity Program is to manage the Commander's EEO program to eliminate unlawful employment discrimination. EEO provides quality program, management services and promotes a diverse workforce founded upon equality of opportunity. It is the EEO Office's vision to have a workplace where people trust that they will be treated fairly and empowered to achieve their best. SETAF, USAG and tenant/unit Commanders have a firm policy that discrimination and harassment of all forms will not be tolerated. Managers and supervisors who make decisions about hiring, training, performance, promotions or work assignments must implement EEO as an integral part of personnel management. CONTACT INFORMATION: EEO Officer 634-7976 EEO Advisor 634-7084 Fax 634-8207
POLICY ON EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of the Department of Army and the Department of Defense to provide equal opportunity for all of its U.S. civilian employees, former employees or applicants for employment. Everyone has the inherent right to fair treatment, equal employment opportunities and a workplace free of harassment (sexual and non-sexual) and other types of unlawful discrimination. Important aspects of an effective EEO program are a strong affirmative employment plan and a discrimination complaints processing system that facilitates early resolution of complaints.
DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCESS Who May File a Complaint A U.S. civilian employee, former employee or applicant for employment who believes he or she has been discriminated against in an employment matter may file complaints of discrimination on one or more bases:
In lieu of the individual complaints process for age complaints, the complainant may serve the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with notice of intent to file a civil action and after 30 days proceed directly into Federal Court. Sexual harassment complaints against a uniformed service member or DOD civilian can also be addressed under Section 1561, of Title l0, U.S. Code. Employees claiming discrimination based on sexual orientation may seek redress from the Merit Systems Protection Board; the Office of Special Counsel; the Negotiated Grievance Procedures, if applicable or the Administration Grievance Procedure. Where to File a Complaint Complaints may be filed at USAG Vicenza EEO Office or the Department of Army.
How to File a Complaint Individual and Class Action complaints must first be presented to an EEO Official within 45 calendar days from the date of the matter alleged to be discriminatory, or in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days of its effective date. Individuals may choose between participation in an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process or traditional counseling. If both parties agree to ADR, arrangements will be made to mediate the dispute. If traditional counseling is elected, an EEO Counselor will be assigned and will attempt to resolve the complaint during the pre-complaint process. AFFIRMATIVE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM The Affirmative Employment Program is a tool to achieve equal opportunity. It is a program of self-analysis, problem identification, data collection, policy statements, reporting systems and elimination of discriminatory policies and practices, past and present. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requires employers with more than 500 employees to compile and submit an annual affirmative employment plan that includes aggregate workforce data as well as information relating to goal accomplishment. These plans identify ways to remove barriers to the employment and advancement of women, minorities and individuals with disabilities. There are important distinctions between Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Diversity.
The Special Emphasis Program promotes equal opportunity in hiring, advancement, training and treatment of each targeted group. This program advocates necessary change to overcome barriers that restrict equal employment opportunity for women, minorities and individuals with disabilities. The Special Emphasis Program encompasses the following programs:
These programs were established to address those special employment issues and concerns affecting all employees and to serve in conjunction with all levels of management in designing a program that will further the installation's affirmative goals at USAG Vicenza and its tenant activities. Special Emphasis Program objectives:
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