Article 4 - Non-discrimination 2019-21 contract

Section 1.  Pledge Against Discrimination.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be applied equally to all employees in the bargaining unit without discrimination as to sex, marital status, sexual preference/orientation (including having or being perceived as having a self image or identity not traditionally associated with one’s biological maleness or femaleness), race, color, creed, religion, disability, national origin, veterans status for all eligible veterans, current or former public assistance recipient status, political affiliation, age or as defined by statute.  The Association shall share equally with the Appointing Authority the responsibility for applying this provision of the Agreement.

Section 2.  Association Responsibility.  The Association recognizes its responsibility as exclusive representative and agrees to represent all employees in the bargaining unit without discrimination.

Section 3.  Association Membership.  In accordance with applicable laws, the Employer/Appointing Authority shall not discriminate against, interfere with, restrain or coerce an employee from exercising their right to join or not to join the Association, or participate in an official capacity on behalf of the Association, which is in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.  The Association shall not discriminate against, interfere with, restrain or coerce an employee from exercising the right to join or not to join the Association, and will not discriminate against any employee in the administration of this Agreement because of non-membership in the Association.

Section 4.  General Policy.  In order to provide and maintain a productive work environment consistent with merit principles, free of discriminatory practices, and in accord with M.S. 43A.01, subd. 2 (Precedence of Merit Principles and Nondiscrimination, it shall be the policy of the Employer and the Association to encourage bargaining unit employees, Association Stewards, supervisors, and managers to interact with each other with mutual respect and dignity, recognizing that legitimate differences will arise.  Refer to Letter 6 located in the Letters section of this contract and HR/LR Policy #1432 Respectful Workplace issued April 10, 2015.

Section 5.  Prohibition of Sexual Harassment.  See Appendix H entitled "Prohibition of Sexual Harassment."