U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

SECRETARY OF LABOR
WASHINGTON, D.C.
OCT 23 1997

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL EMPLOYEES


FROM:     ALEXIS M. HERMAN

SUBJECT:   Diversity Task Force

As you know, one of my major goals is to be a model employer that not only preaches but practices inclusiveness, fairness, and the participation of all employees in all facets of the Department. I am personally and sincerely committed to ensuring that each and every opportunity that arises at DOL for hiring and advancement is at the reach of all qualified individuals, without regard to their race, ethnicity, gender, age, or disabling condition.

To meet these challenges, I have established a Diversity Task Force comprised of senior level officials whose task will be to: (1) assess the status of our efforts in achieving a diverse workforce; (2) identify issues/challenges that may arise in achieving our goals; and (3) present recommendations to me on how and what improvements are needed to achieve greater diversity and equal employment opportunity in DOL.

The task force members are:

Mary Ann Wyrsch, Chief of Operations, ETA

The task force will review data on the DOL workforce as well as current initiatives and programs being used by the Department and the agencies to achieve diversity. The information and insights of DOL employees are of utmost importance to achieving the objectives of the task force. Our employee unions and special interest groups of employees within and outside the Department, such as FLMA, NAHFE, Local 12, NCFLL, and GLOBAL will be invited to meet with the task force to provide information or bring matters of concern to the attention of the task force. Also, employees will be invited to send written or e-mail comments to Noelia Fernandez, Human Resources Center, room C-5526, FPB. These comments should be submitted no later than December 15, 1997. Any comments should pertain to suggestions for improving our overall efforts in the Department -- not personal complaints. There are separate procedures to resolve such issues.

A series of "brainstorming" sessions have also been scheduled in the national office to allow anyone interested to share their views on how the Department can improve its efforts in recruitment, career opportunities, and retention. These brainstorming sessions are being sponsored by the Human Resources Center. Five focus sessions have been scheduled as follows:

Hispanics: was held on September 16
Asian American\Pacific Islanders: was held on October 20
Native Americans: was held on October 23
Persons with Disabilities: October 29
Women: November 5
African Americans: November 12

These sessions will be conducted at 10: 00 a.m., in room N-543 7 A, B, C, and D, and are designed to provide constructive ideas to the task force on possible new initiatives and improvements.

Regional employees will also have an opportunity to provide input. Diversity Task Force members will visit the regional offices to meet with management and union officials, representatives of special interest groups, and employees to hear their views and ideas on this important effort.

All the input gathered through these sessions will be evaluated prior to the task force submitting its recommendations to me. I am asking for the report of this task force to be submitted to me no later than January 31, 1998. I know that I can count on your full support as the task force proceeds with its work. I encourage all of you to participate. By all of us working together, I have no doubt that we will be able to successfully achieve a model workplace that is representative of America's diversity and provides equal opportunity to all.