EEOC outreach program in Saipan

Susan McDuffie, district director of the San Francisco District Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other EEOC staff from both San Francisco and Honolulu will be in Saipan on April 25, 2000, to offer “Best EEO Practices,” a one-day EEO seminar.

Ms. McDuffie encourages all managers and personnel or administrative staff to take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain in-depth training from the EEOC experts, the officials who enforce the federal anti-discrimination laws.

“I have a firm belief that equal opportunity practices makes good business sense. Of course, the laws against sexual harassment, discrimination due to national origin, disability or pregnancy, and retaliation- these all apply here in CNMI as they do on the mainland,” she said.

Complying with equal opportunity not only means saving money and time by avoiding lawsuits, it also promotes better organizational morale and a happier, more efficient work environment.

“I also favor education as a key to preventing discrimination. Although we have no office in Saipan at this time, we are committed to providing employers with the information they need to comply with our laws. And in 2000, we have made it a priority to come to the Pacific Islands to provide an opportunity for exchange and dialogue and to update you on developments in the law,” Ms. McDuffie said

Some activities of the Commonwealth government and some private businesses have previously received EEO training from Honolulu Local Office Director Tim Riera. However, according to Ms. McDuffie, the day-long seminar format will permit a more thorough and specific discussion of additional topics.

The agenda will cover what managers and other key staff need to know about

• Stopping sexual harassment

• Preventing pregnancy discrimination

• Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act

• Ending national origin discrimination

• Avoiding the pitfalls of retaliation

In addition, the program will review the EEOC’s policies and procedures, so that attendees will know what to expect from the EEOC, and also who to call if they have questions.

The presentation will be held at the Gilligan’s of the Hyatt Regency Saipan from 7:30 a.m. to 4:3O p m at $189 per person.

The price includes breakfast and lunch, and most importantly, the multi-volume set of EEOC’s Technical Assistance manuals.