Affirmative Action Plan

What is an Affirmative Action Plan?

An Affirmative Action Plan is a written plan that includes all of the policies, practices, and procedures that ensure all applicants and employees are treated fairly and receive equal opportunity during recruitment, selection, advancement, and every other privilege associated with the employment process.

When is a company required to have an Affirmative Action Plan?

According to SHRM.org, a company is required to have an Affirmative Action Plan if they fall under any of the following:

• Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires contractors with 50 or more employees and contracts over $50,000 to take affirmative action concerning qualified individuals with disabilities.
• The Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended by the Jobs for Veterans Act, requires contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment veterans with service-connected disabilities, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. VEVRAA requires that contractors with 50 or more employees and a contract of $150,000 or more would need a written affirmative action program.
• Under Executive Order 11246, federal contractors and subcontractors with 50 or more employees who have entered into at least one contract of $50,000 or more with the federal government must prepare and maintain a written program, which must be developed within 120 days from the commencement of the contract and must be updated annually. The program should cover recruitment, hiring, and promotion of women and minorities. Any depository of government funds in any amount or any financial institution that is an issuing and paying agent for U.S. savings bonds and savings notes in any amount must develop and maintain written affirmative action programs as well.