The Town of Busti believes in the dignity of the individual
and recognizes the right of any person to equal opportunities. In
this regard, the Town has had a long-standing practice and policy
of protecting and safeguarding the rights and opportunities of any
person who might seek or obtain employment without being subjected
to illegal discrimination or harassment in the workplace.
In addition to prohibiting illegal discrimination on the basis
of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, marital status, military
status, national origin, or other unlawful conduct, the Town of Busti
also prohibits the illegal harassment of its employees or officers
in any form. The Town will take all steps necessary to prevent and
stop the occurrence of any illegal discrimination or harassment in
the workplace.
A. This policy applies to all Town officers and employees and all individuals
who serve as contractors to the Town. Depending on the extent of the
exercise of control, this chapter may be applied to the conduct of
those who are not officers or employees or contractors of the Town
with respect to illegal discrimination or illegal harassment of Town
officers or employees in the workplace.
B. The Town and this discrimination and harassment policy prohibit conduct that is illegal under state or federal law, including, but not limited to, the inappropriate forms of behavior described in §
40-3 of this chapter under the section entitled "Definition of sexual harassment."
C. Department heads and supervisory personnel are responsible for ensuring
a work environment free from unsolicited, unwelcome and intimidating
unlawful discrimination or harassment. These individuals must take
immediate and, if authorized, appropriate corrective action when allegations
of discrimination or harassment come to their attention to assure
compliance with this chapter. Should a department head or supervisor
not be authorized to take corrective action, the matter shall be referred
to the individual or body, as the case may be, having the authority
to discipline.
D. A person who is found to have committed an act of unlawful discrimination
or harassment or other inappropriate behavior will be subject to disciplinary
action in accordance with the provisions of a negotiated labor agreement
or state law, as may be appropriate. Additionally, retaliation against
someone who has complained about prohibited discrimination or harassment
is strictly prohibited as is retaliation against an individual who
cooperates with an investigation of a discrimination or harassment
complaint. Any such retaliatory conduct is illegal and will result
in disciplinary action against the retaliator if that person is an
officer or employee of the Town. Intimidation, coercion, threats,
reprisals or discrimination against any person for complaining about
unlawful discrimination or harassment, as described in this chapter,
is prohibited.
E. All Town officers and employees will be held responsible and accountable
for avoiding or eliminating the conduct prohibited by this chapter.
Town employees are encouraged to report violations of this chapter
to their supervisor or to a member of the Employment Discrimination/Harassment
Committee. This Committee shall consist of two members of the Town
Board to be appointed annually by the Supervisor.