NMI SHRM supports equal employment opportunity

“Equal employment opportunity is a concept that all business should support,” said Frank Gibson, 2015 president of the NMI Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. “There is no place for discrimination or harassment in any workplace. Adopting and implementing policies and programs that provide fair treatment to all employees regardless of race, color, sex, gender status, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or genetic history, making job-related decisions based upon demonstrated performance, creates a productive work environment that is beneficial to both employees and employers.”

To underscore this point, the SHRM Chapter has invited Glory Gervacio-Saure, director of the EEOC’s Honolulu Office, to visit the CNMI and discuss the EEO concept and recent related events with key agencies and organizations involved in equal employment opportunity.

Today, Sept. 14, Gervacio-Saure will visit the CNMI Department of Labor, the Council for Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc., the Office of Personnel Management, and the Public School System Human Resource Office to discuss and answer questions related to equal employment opportunity.

Tomorrow, Sept. 15, Gervacio-Saure will be the special guest speaker at the NMI SHRM September general membership meeting featuring the topic “Equal Employment Opportunity: Updates and Current Trends.” This will be a special half-day program that will discuss current EEO issues to include increase retaliation, varied sexual discrimination and harassment, arrests and court records, LGBT protections and other topics of concern. Gervacio-Saure will provide information on the rights of employees and how businesses can avoid discrimination and create a better workplace for all. She will also be available to answer questions. SHRM will provide certificates to attendees documenting their attendance at this special EEO program.

During lunch, NMPASI president James Rayphand will explain the functions of NMPASI and how it can work with HR and management staff for the best interests of the companies and employees with special needs.

Rayphand’s presentation will be followed by Susan Langhoff, FEMA private sector liaison, who will discuss business continuity and preparedness as part of our community’s recovery efforts.

This half-day program will be held at the Pacific Islands Club’s Charley’s Cabaret on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, from 8:30am to 2pm. This presentation is open to the public and will be an invaluable opportunity for employers and HR professionals and staff to gain a range of information on two topics of particular interest to our businesses and the community.

The presentation includes the PIC lunch buffet and morning snacks and drinks at the cost of $30 for SHRM members and $40 for non-members. Seats are limited, so reserve your seat by contacting Micah Parico-Acuavera by phone at 234-1795 or by email at corpoffice@triplejsaipan.com or by email to Gibson at flgibson@yahoo.com.

“This visit by the EEOC director provides the business community with an opportunity to gain invaluable information regarding equal employment opportunity directly from the enforcement agency and to ask questions that might help them avoid future problems,” Gibson stated. “Take advantage of this opportunity for yourself, as a senior manager, and for your HR staff and other managers. Ms. Gervacio-Saure’s presentation will help bring you up-to-date on recent EEO issues.” (SHRM)