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JOINT
DECLARATION OF PROTECTION - EQUAL
OPPORTUNITIES AND SEX DISCRIMINATION
This
Declaration is a joint management and union agreement which recognises
the moral and statutory responsibilities placed on Employers and
trade unions by the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Acts 1976
and 1989, the Fair Employment Code of Practice, the Sex Discrimination
(Northern Ireland) Orders 1976 and 1988 and the European Recommendation
on the Protection of the Dignity of Women and Men at Work 1991.
Its purpose is to ensure that all Board employees understand their
responsibility for ensuring that their conduct is consistent with
the Board's determination to provide a neutral and harmonious working
environment for all staff.
Declaration
1.
The Southern Education and Library Board and trade unions declare
and fully accept that discrimination or victimisation in employment
is unacceptable behaviour and is unlawful under the Fair Employment
and Sex Discrimination legislation. They are committed to ensuring
that any discrimination or victimisation will be vigorously opposed
by both management and trade unions.
2.
The Board and trade unions affirm that every employee has the right
to work free from harassment or intimidation on grounds of race,
ethnic origin, gender, marital status, domestic responsibilities,
sexual orientation, employment status, perceived religious affiliation,
political opinion, membership or non-membership of a trade union,
disability, age, willingness to challenge harassment or real or
suspected infection by disease.
3.
The Board and trade unions jointly condemn harassment or intimidation
by words or actions and are committed to take all reasonable steps
to prevent it occurring in the workplace. Intimidation or harassment
will be regarded as an offence which will result in disciplinary
action and may warrant dismissal.
4.
The Board declares that all work places will be neutral and that
an intimidating work environment will be discouraged by prohibiting:
(a)
the display of flags, emblems, posters, graffiti or the circulation
of material or deliberate articulation of slogans or songs perceived
to be of a divisive or sectarian nature and likely to give offence
or cause apprehension to particular groups of employees. Only
the authorised display of flags and emblems which are in line
with the spirit and purpose of this declaration will be permitted.
(b)
display or circulation of pornographic posters or other materials
which may cause offence.
5.
The Board is committed to ensuring that no employee will be treated
less favourably because he or she has taken action or may take action
in connection with the Fair Employment or Sex Discrimination legislation.
6.
The Board will oppose any attempt to prevent the employment, continued
employment or career development of any persons in contravention
of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Acts or Sex Discrimination
legislation.
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