My husband and I quickly had breakfast in an unfamiliar restaurant, waiting for the doors to open in the nearest museum. When I sipped my coffee, I began to understand why I was not comfortable. It was not only that we had a Sunday breakfast away from home.
Very quickly, I realized that every person serving us, from greeting to waiting for the staff, was young and white. I looked into the kitchen and confirmed that I guess - invisible people working behind the scenes, performing low-paying jobs, were Hispanic, African-American and of different ages. Will this restaurant get my business return? Probably no.
Later, my friend and I talked about the diversity of employment, and she told me a similar story. When she went out for a walk, she saw a sign in the local window of a breakfast shop advertised “... The restaurant needs morning HOSTESS.
Although section VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, and national origin, it seems that a number of companies still do not receive it when it comes to discrimination of advertising or other problems, such as conviction, the employee has the right to use Family leave to care for a child or to allow sexual harassment in the workplace.
Employees understand. Over the three-year period, employment-related claims increased by 77 percent.
Problems related to discrimination may be difficult to understand; gray areas. But the ban on basic employment activities based on classes protected by federal law is much easier to understand. Employers cannot decide on hiring or firing on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, or national origin.
The restaurant, which Joan noticed, clearly wants something other than a big guy of mixed ethnicity to greet their customers. This is evident from their ad, and the restaurant manager will probably find the owner that he or she is looking for.
But wouldn’t it be less offensive to all restaurant customers and potential employees if the manager sent a proper notice in compliance with civil rights laws? Perhaps such a phrase as “Looking for a rich man or a landlord / owner”?
They can still hire the female mistress they want. But again, they could broaden their search and find a guy who really turns to his morning coffee crowd to become a new greeting. What is good to do in the first place is not the point that it violates federal, state and regional laws.
However, business will not suffer from the possibility of losing when it tries to appeal to today's and tomorrow's changing population.
Figures from the Pugh Research Center and from the US Census show that in the next forty years, almost one in five Americans will become an immigrant.
Hispanics, already the largest minority group in the country, will triple to become 29% of the US population. Black citizens will be 15 percent of the population, and Asian Americans will be about nine percent of all citizens.
By the middle of the 21st century, the United States will not only be more racially and ethnically diverse, but much older. Each of the five citizens will be 65 years and older.
Using non-discriminatory advertising and other fair practices, the business opens up the opportunity to see all marketing opportunities for an increasing number of clients using the talents and skills of a wide range of employees.
Some may say that concerns about a sign in a window may be too political correctness. But I really don't think so. It simply represents the main practice of employment and compliance.
Now, I wish that in the restaurant where Fred and I were second, we will look at their methods of hiring. As clients, we would love to see our money go to pay people from different walks of life, not just young and white.
It's hard enough to find a job these days, and everyone describes equal opportunity.
The information here is not subject to legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have a legal problem, consult a lawyer in your area regarding your specific situation and facts.
