Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting



September 5, 2006



Agenda Report #



TO: Mayor and Council



SUBJECT: Discrimination & Harassment Policy



INITIATED: Human Resources Department at request of City Attorney







Recommendation: Approve an ordinance adopting Human Resources Policy Number

220-601, Discrimination & Harassment Policy and repealing Affirmative Action

Policy Number 905, Sexual Harassment.



Background: Claims of discrimination and harassment continue to be problems in

workplaces across the country and in many instances result in time-consuming

responses to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission inquiries and/or

potentially expensive litigation. Although we have similar existing policies

and a long-standing practice of addressing these behaviors appropriately,

outside employment law counsel has suggested the adoption of new policies that

encompass the latest best-practice language and protocol.



Analysis: Adoption and distribution of the new policy along with obtaining the

required acknowledgements of receipt will send a strong message to all

employees of our continued resolve to maintain a workplace free from

discrimination and harassment.



Legal: As required by ?8-303 of the Charter, the Council must authorize

changes to personnel policies and procedures.



Financial Considerations: The initial financial impact is limited to the cost

of producing and distributing the policy to all employees. The longer term

savings potential of the new policy cannot be accurately measured but could

include: 1) productivity efficiencies gained with avoidance of these

unacceptable behaviors, including less utilization of sick leave and health

care benefits; and 2) from avoiding regulatory agency investigations and

litigation.



Recommendation/Actions: The City Attorney, Human Resources and the City

Manager recommend adoption of the proposed policy.

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