Site Map | Search | FAQs | Transit Links | Visiting Boston

Doing Business with the T > Diversity at work

Diversity at work

We represent a broad range of cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and therein lies one of our greatest challenges - to respect the differences of our co-workers and contractors while fulfilling our shared commitment of delivering safe and efficient transportation to the riding public. We have worked diligently to ensure that discrimination, harassment and retaliation in the workplace will not be tolerated. As such, the Authority issued several Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies that promote an inclusive, professional workplace.

The Department of Organizational Diversity/Civil Rights is committed to monitoring the Authority's EEO policies to ensure that they are applied in a fair and consistent manner.

Policy of Non-Discrimination

We are committed to zero tolerance for any behavior that creates or contributes to a hostile work environment.

Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Policy

This policy represents an effort by the Authority to reinforce its commitment to equal opportunity in employment for all employees and applicants for employment of the MBTA. Implementation of this policy is realized through maintaining a professional work environment that incorporates equal employment opportunity as an integral part of the Authority's daily operations. Accountability is established throughout all levels of management for implementation and enforcement of this policy, the ultimate responsibility of which lies with the General Manager. Furthermore, this policy elicits objective personnel decisions and significantly reduces the likelihood of any employee or applicant being subjected to discrimination, harassment or retaliation on the basis of any of the protected characteristics. Finally, procedures for filing complaints are outlined for any employee who feels he/she has been a victim of discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation.

Sexual Harassment Policy

The Sexual Harassment Policy defines sexual harassment, gives examples of conduct that fits that definition, and describes how the complaint procedure works.

Notice and MBTA Internal Complaint Procedure

The Internal Complaint procedure contains the Authority's Notice to all MBTA Employees of their legal right and the time requirement to file a complaint for alleged civil rights violations with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The Internal Complaint procedure includes the Authority's statement of EEO policy and outlines employee rights and responsibilities, including the heightened responsibilities and duties required of supervisors and managers. Finally, this policy describes the appropriate reporting procedure and process for informal, formal, and reconsideration review proceedings. Copies of the Authority's Notice and its revised Internal Complaint Procedure accompany the annual, Authority-wide distribution of MBTA EEO policies.

Civility Standard of the MBTA

In an effort to promote harmony in the workplace, all Authority employees are expected to operate under a Civility Standard of Behavior. This Civility Standard is a statement of values of which to aspire, and is not intended as the basis for a new cause of action. It does not provide for the filing of complaints or initiation of investigation. We believe every employee at the MBTA has a vital contribution to make to continue our excellence in transportation. We support an environment that values civility and supports our diverse workforce in making those contributions in an atmosphere of dignity and mutual respect. Our actions and our words are the keys to that supportive environment. By working together, we can foster an environment. By working together, we can foster an environment in which we:

• Respect the dignity and worth of each other;
• Work together as a team;
• Appreciate each other's skills and ability;
• Exercise our rights without fear of retribution; and,
• Value differences and embrace inclusion.
  

Together, we make that environment a reality every day.