Page 38 - Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual

CHAPTER II.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Section 200.001 Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta, Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and respect the diversity of our employees,
directors, consultants, representatives, suppliers, vendors, customers, and communities. As part of our
culture of respect and appreciation we believe that people with varied backgrounds and perspectives add
vitality and creativity to Augusta, Georgia and we encourage diversity in the workplace. To that end, we
provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age,
disability, military service or status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected
by federal, state, or local law. Augusta, Georgia is committed to providing equal opportunity in all our
employment and purchasing practices. We will hire, evaluate, transfer, compensate, and promote employees
based on skills and performance, and not on any unlawful consideration.

We respect the special needs of individual employees, including those who are pregnant or returning to
work after the birth or adoption of a child. Only in valuing diversity and committing to equal opportunity
practices will we be able to fully utilize the human and business resources available. At the same time, we
believe that by valuing diversity, we enable all to fully realize their potential. All Augusta, Georgia
employment decisions are to be based on business related, nondiscriminatory reasons.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes a corporate intolerance of any form of
discrimination, sexual harassment, or any other type of harassment. Such behavior undermines the very
core of our creed and values. Additional processes have been issued for affirmative action, disability
accommodations, harassment in the workplace, and workforce diversity. Performance consistent with the
spirit and intent of these policies are expected of each employee and, in the case of management employees,
such performance will be evaluated as in any other job-related duty.

For Augusta, Georgia to be successful, our employees must also be successful, as contributors to Augusta,
Georgia’s mission and objectives and as individuals and citizens. Therefore, in addition to providing a safe
and healthy workplace, we are committed to the development of their unique skills and capabilities.

We believe that new experiences on the job and involvement in work teams or special projects are valuable
development opportunities.

If you feel you are a victim of any form of discrimination, you have a right to voice your concerns. You can
tell your immediate leader, any member of management or the Equal Employment Opportunity office at
706-826-4789. Retaliation against anyone who lodges a complaint in good faith is strictly prohibited and
will be subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Section 200.002 Discrimination and Harassment-Free Workplace

Our value of treating others with respect and dignity carries over to our policy against workplace
discrimination and harassment. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment against an
employee or potential employee based on any legally protected category. Instead, we actively seek to create
a workplace that allows employees to feel respected and appreciated. Our efforts to achieve diversity and
equal employment are driven by more than compliance with the law.

All Rights Reserved – As approved by the Commission on 05-07-2019 38 | P a g e