Workplace Diversity Strategy

The Equality Authority runs a Workplace Diversity Initiative (Formerly An Action Strategy for Integrated Workplaces) with funding from the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration. It aims to develop capacity within the workplace to promote diversity and to respond to any challenges that may arise.
It operates through the following strands:

Employers Strand

IBEC, the national employers’ representative body, operates a help-desk for employers and diversity e-zines for its members which deal with issues related to the management of workplace diversity. IBEC has also developed a diversity workshop which it rolls out to its members to raise awareness of workplace diversity issues.

Business Strand

Local Chambers of Commerce have been funded to organise diversity networking events for their members. These events are intended to sell the message to local businesses that diversity is good for business and should be promoted. They also give an opportunity to share good practice. Wexford and Clonmel Chambers organised events for their members in 2011. Sligo Chamber also organised a business breakfast in March 2012.

Trade Union Strand

The role of trade unions is crucial to promoting integrated workplaces and a wide range of trade union initiatives has been supported. Congress, the umbrella body for trades unions, organised a Challenge Fund to stimulate trade unions to take action to support workplace diversity.

In 2012, SIPTU is undertaking a project to make migrant workers in the contract cleaning industry aware of their rights. UNITE is supporting workers in the meat processing industry.

Sectoral Strand

Two projects were funded through a sectoral strand to promote more integrated workplace across a number of different sectors:
- A business information event in Limerick organised by Dorais Lúimni
- A National University of Ireland networking event to launch an equality e-learning resource.



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