The tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis has had a ripple effect upon the entire world as well as nearly every industry. People are taking the time to listen and take a stand against hatred and discrimination, and the Associated General Contractors of America’s latest initiative will help them do that.
The association is asking industry partners to take its “Culture of CARE” pledge, which aims to make construction more diverse, safe, welcoming and inclusive. “The construction industry has a responsibility to respond in a productive way by demonstrating that it provides opportunities for everyone to advance, prosper and succeed,” AGC says.
The campaign, which the AGC of Washington originally developed and started in 2018, has been taken national by the AGC of America. Tenets of the initiative include committing to hire and pay based on skill and experience regardless of ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation, as well as attracting prospective employees with inclusive workplaces where they will not experience harassment, hazing or bullying.
So far, organizations that have taken the pledge include Turner, Kraemer North America, Joe Funk Construction and Boss Construction Inc. More than ever, AGC says, “it is important that construction sites and offices across the country be welcoming and inclusive places to work.”
It might be wise to take the pledge to ensure your associates feel like they have a safe space in your workplace. It not only has the potential to improve your business, but also give you pride as you walk in to work every morning.
