Contractors Get Affirmative Action Exemption (for Katrina)

[donsu]

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/20/national/nationalspecial/20affirm.html

The Labor Department has temporarily suspended government requirements that its contractors have an affirmative action plan addressing the employment of women, members of minorities, Vietnam veterans and the disabled if the companies are first-time government contractors working on reconstruction in the wake of Hurricane Katrina

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Under the rules that normally apply to companies hired by the government, businesses with more than 50 employees working on contracts for more than $50,000 must develop an affirmative action plan. But according to a memorandum on the Labor Department's Web site, dated Sept. 9, the goal of the exemption in the case of recovery work associated with Hurricane Katrina is to reduce the burden of paperwork on government contractors and so encourage more companies to jump into assisting with rebuilding from the storm damage.

The exemption is to last for three months, unless it is extended.

"It does not waive affirmative action requirements, it does not waive job posting requirements, it does not waive their obligation not to engage in discrimination," said Charles E. James, deputy assistant secretary at the Labor Department. "It's very, very limited."

The announcement by the Labor Department came the day after President Bush announced the suspension of a law that requires employers to pay the locally prevailing wage to construction workers on federally financed projects. The order applies to parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. In explaining the move, the proclamation stated that "the conditions caused by Hurricane Katrina constitute a 'national emergency.' "

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down with the criminal bushgang - kick them into prison

[don954]

1. no need to hire brown people, they dont work anyways!

sarcasim off

[Totally Committed]

2. So, let me get this straight....

They don't have to hire poor black people who need the jobs to get back on their feet, but if they do, they don't have to pay them the prevailing wage, either.

But, good news! -- There is no cap on the profits the companies doing the reconstruction can make! :sarcasm:

What a load of steaming horsepoop! This administration and those voting for the bills they send to the floor should be mortally ashamed. It's disgusting!

TC

[acmejack]

3. They continue to unilaterally waive the law of the land

These criminals continue to thumb their noses at the American people. They are continuously pushing us to see how much we are willing to take.

The question which must be asked is; "How much are WE willing to take?" I don't know about you, but I can't stand much more of this at all.