An EEOC CHARGE

The nationwide sales division of a media conglomerate is confronted with a major EEOC charge

The Challenge

An EEO Claim by two minority employees regarding promotional opportunities confronted the sales division of this media conglomerate and had the potential threat of escalating into a class action suit. Compounding the situation at the time, the NAACP was accusing the entire entertainment industry of unfair labor practices.

Analysis

Typically, this type of situation immediately goes to the Legal Department for handling. Unfortunately once this happens, all efforts to get to the root cause and fix the system generally stop. Given the length of time to adjudicate these cases, issues remain hot for much longer than necessary with the potential for further turmoil.

The HCp Solution

While the lawyers were collecting data and pulling files, we interviewed management personnel to ascertain the critical elements required for promotion.

Once these elements were defined, we created acceptable, alternate experiences and a set of developmental assignments for qualified minority employees. For each assignment, a seasoned employee currently in the position was tasked the role of mentor. This role was informal -the lawsuit was never discussed. We did the right thing! The next four management openings considered minority candidates. Two candidates accepted the positions with relocation.

Results
         
Office morale in general improved and the EEOC claim was settled reasonably and no class action initiated.

Key outcomes: