Arizona's Attorney General Kris Mayes recently made headway in a significant discrimination case, securing a Consent Decree with Turner Mining Group, LLC. This move comes following allegations that Turner cultivated a work environment rife with sex-based hostility and wrongfully terminated a female truck driver who brought the harassment to light.
The agreed-upon decree demands that Turner Mining Group overhaul its policies to staunchly prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation—a move that not only aligns with the Arizona Civil Rights Act but also recognizes the long-standing presence of women in mining since the 1860s. This was reported in an article on April 8th, which mentioned Mayes' office commitment, “Women have been involved in the mining industry since the 1860s. The workplace is not equal until women have a right to pursue the profession of their choosing without the additional barrier of workplace harassment, not to mention retaliation for reporting that harassment.” according to the Attorney General’s Office website.
Beyond policy revisions, the Decree ensures training is provided to educate personnel on state and federal laws that ward against sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. A particular focus will be provided for those seated at human resources, supervisory, and managerial positions, having been bolstered by comprehensive training mandates.
Turner will also find itself under the vigil of the Civil Rights Division for up to three years—a period during which it will be monitored for adherence to the Decree. The investigation, led by Compliance Officer Alisha Kram, sought to guarantee that employment decisions within Arizona's borders rest firmly on the merit and quality of work, rather than the sex of the employee. “My office continues to ensure that employment decisions in our state are based on the quality of a person’s work and their merit rather than their sex, as required by Arizona law,” Mayes has emphasized.
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