Local 600 Endorses Anti-Discrimination Policy

At its semi-annual meeting on Jan. 8 and 9, IATSE Local 600's Executive Board endorsed an Anti-Discrimination and Harassment-Free Workplace Policy in line with the International IATSE.

"Local 600's Board members made it very clear that they will not tolerate any form of unlawful harassment," Local 600's President Gary Dunham said. "With Dr. King's birthday in mind, it's important that we recognize we are brothers and sisters who share the same goals and aspirations."

"The IATSE is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of legally protected status," the IATSE's policy states.

Conduct that is prohibited under the policy includes "all unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical or visual," that is based upon a person's race, sex, religion or other protected group status. The policy emphasizes that sexual harassment is a form of employment discrimination that deserves special mention.

The IATSE's official policy was spelled out in the Fourth Quarter 2004 issue of the IATSE Official Bulletin.

Furthermore, the IATSE is urging members and represented employees to notify James B. Wood, IATSE General Secretary-Treasurer, of any incidents of unlawful discrimination or harassment. "The General Secretary-Treasurer will immediately request the General Counsel to undertake a thorough and objective investigation of harassment/discrimination allegations," the IATSE has said.

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