BFOQ
Define BFOQ and list to which characteristics it applies
The bonafide occupational qualification BFOQ is a valid defense against allegations of discrimination where there is a need to hire persons with certain qualifications and traits. Some examples are requirements that engine drivers must not be color blind, could be legal. The general criteria are that without falling to the exceptions selective employment can be given to suit the nature of work. Though the general requirement of the work may help the employer use the BFQQ to avoid certain employees, there is a general system of laws that have to be carefully studied. (Weiss, 2004)
Human resources can be a protected class of people and the civil rights laws actually help the hiring of employees without trampling their rights. The equal employment Opportunities Commission EEOC and the U.S. Supreme Court have in a number of decisions laid down rules regarding this. For example the definition of racial discrimination with the definition of a 'race' as any ethnic minority' in the civil right laws 1866 shows that racial discrimination is against minorities. This law BFQQ cannot thus be used to avoid employing the minorities showing requirements. Thus there cannot be applicability of any characteristic specific too any reserved class. However one can specify an age requirement and this would be right under the BFQQ. (Weiss, 2004)
The example cited that a person with color blindness cannot be an engine driver whatsoever the race or gender is an example of the legal exercise of the BFQQ laws. Broadly there must be an essential trait or qualification for the job in question to claim BFQQ. The issues that must be watched for pertains to recruitment and hiring, sexual harassment, violation of privacy and evaluations and promotions 1 the illustrative case is with regard to the retirement age is an example where police officers were required to retire by 55 years, the question under the BFQQ was whether the employer was able to show a fall in medical fitness after the age, and the employer applies the same physical standards too all employees regardless of age. (Bernardin, 2007) This also apples under the ADA act where persons with disabilities may not be discriminated against.
2. What is the purpose of the Glass Ceiling Commission?
The aim of the act was to provide for equality and unhindered career path to employees without an artificial stop to their progress. This was because before the act the executive positions were inaccessible to minorities and women. In 1991 as an extension to the Civil Rights act of 1991 the Congress passed the Glass Ceiling Act and then created a commission to enforce the act. The commission's duty was to see the artificial barriers that were created to the employee in his or her career advancement and the level at which they could go no more -- that is encounter a glass ceiling. This was more stressed for women employees who had limited opportunities at advancement in their career. Thus the act was to ensure that employees could reach executive positions without having an artificial barrier to achieve the full potential. This was more stressed for women and minorities. (Karsten, 2006)
The aim of the act was to make it possible to women and minorities who are broadly discriminated against to reach the higher posts of the hierarchy without being sealed off from the opportunity. This was also to ensure that they received adequate training and the commission could thus review specific discriminatory practices and also harassment that prevents women from progressing the hierarchy. However the discrimination at the workplace is not entirely offset by the act and this applies to women in blue collar jobs and white collar jobs. It should be understood that not only were women harassed at their own work and thus could not find a method of career advancement is a fact. That is because the work environment earlier was hostile to them. The glass ceiling act also is a method by which the hostile environment could be broken. Thus it was stated in Yates v. Avco Corp., the plaintiff's supervisors constantly made rude comments to her and repetitively made requests for sexual favours, and this created an unlawful hostile work environment. (Office of the Federal Register (U.S.), 2012) Likewise Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson 1986 takes the stand that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 businesses are responsible for sexual discrimination in the workplace and that would always resulting in economic loss to the victim. (Enotes, 2006) It would be not...
IRS' three areas (categories) of determination of whether someone is hired as an IC or EE.: Behavioral- Does the company control or have the right to control what the worker does and how the worker does his or her job? Financial- Are the business aspects of the worker's job controlled by the payer? Type of relationship- Are there written contracts or employee type benefits State two reasons it may be advantageous for an
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