As a compliance professional, I have been hearing quite a bit about employers who are trying to ensue they hire more women in male dominated industries. It is important to level the playing field as an equal opportunity employer and as an affirmative action employer (if those goals apply). Being compliant is a whole other responsibility. A few weeks ago, I consulted with a small company who did the unthinkable. As an employer which dominates 85% men, the shop steward requested only males to be sent for jobs. It was astonishing to me that he did this. After speaking to the employee relations team, I had to make it clear that this was against the law. But is it?
Well, yes, it is. The last year this was legal was 1963. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on sex. This means that employers have to interview women as well as men, and hire the best qualified candidates. Gender is not a qualification.
In addition, the employer must treat the women you hire exactly as you would treat a male employee. As an employer, You must protect female staff...