HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - January 2, 1985 (66)\ Yom. ,(.rf
CITY OOUNCM
IM
2 1985
NEPOrISVI IN CITY Mr. J. Anthony Abbott, Attornev-at-law of the firm of Mayall,
EMDLOVEgr Hurley, et al, addressed the Council presenting the following
information which was contained in a letter addressed to the
Lodi City Council dated December 27,. 1984:
"As you know, the undersigned appeared at the City Council
Meeting on December 19, 1984, to bring to the Council's
attention the case of Michael Faught, whose application for
employment by the City of Lodi Fire Department is currently
pending. As regards the facts of the case, I refer you to my
letter of December 18, 1984, which by now you should have
received. At the meeting of December 19, I was informed by
the Mayor and by Mr. Stein that it was not proper for the
Council to overrule the decision of the City Manager, Henry
Glaves, with regard to Mr. Faught. Rather, the City Council
could only grant relief by amending its policy, contained in
Resolution Nurber 83-15, and applying that amendment to Mr.
Faught's case. It is to this question that this letter is
addressed.
The pertinent portion of Resolution 83-15 is (2), which
allows the City to refuse employment to any person who has a
relative already working in the department, division, or
facility, where application for employment is made. I am
sure that the language of the exception is well known to you,
but for convenience sake I repeat it here:
"2. . To refuse to place both spouses or relatives in the same
department, division, or facility where such has the
potential for creating adverse impact on supervision, safety,
security, or morale, or involves potential conflicts of
interest."
As stated in my previous letter, I have been informed by Mr.
Stein and Mr. Glaves that P_ormally this exception would be
applied on a case by case basis, and judged by the merits of
the particular situation. However, Mr. Glaves stated that in
the case of the Police. Department or Fire Department,
employment would be refused uniformly. That is, the
existence of a familial relationship alone would preclude
employment by one in Michael Faught's position. Y,
btocKton ldilel Ol ruilee. iu Our nILYWIeugc, mere iinb Oc. _ F
no adverse fallout from this situation, of calls from the
commRlnity for a ooliCV nrohibitiniz employment or more than _ �.
If this is in fact the City's policy as applied, it is
certainly not a policy which can be deduced from an
examination of the language of the Resolution. Nowhere in
the language is the Police Department or Fire Department
specifically mentioned by name. There is simply the general
statement to the effect that 4vhere determination is made that
erployment of two relatives in the same department has the
potential for creating supervision, safety, security or moral
problems, the City reserves the right to refuse employment.
This would seem to hTply, as Mr. Stein and Mr. Glaves have
indicated, that a case by case evaluation will occur.
The policy as applied by the City Ministration in
the case
of the Fire Department and Police Department, and
specifically in the case of Michael Faught is
an easy
standard to apply: Once the determination, of
familial
relationship has been made, the decision
follows
automatically. However, while this standard is easy
on those
making the employment decision, it is very hard
on those
against whom the standard is invoked. Conceivably,
Michael
Faught could be the best fireman in the land, and
he would
still be denied employment based solely on his
familial
status.
In deciding whether you wish to amend your Resolution 83-15
to change this policy, you must of necessity ask yourselves
"is this the result we intended?" If not, the solution would
seem to be to amend the Resolution to give the City
Ministration more specific guidance as to how it is to
decide whether family members may be placed in the same
department. In this connection, it should be noted that
Police and Fire Departments across the Country have long
employed fathers and sons together. We have all heard of
"Police families" in cities such as New York and Los Angeles,
where generation after generation of fathers and sons have
served in the police department. It is the wide perception
that this type of tradition builds esprit, commitment, and
dedication. One such case which appeared in the news some
months ago was that of Stockton Police Officer Cecchetti who
was tragically killed in the line of duty. Officer
Cecchetti's father, of course, is Julio Cecchetti, the
Stockton Chief of Police. To our knowledge, there has been
no adverse fallout from this situation, of calls from the
corminity for a policy prohibiting effpIoyment or more than
one family member in the same department.
Of course, where there is a demonstrated potential for
nepotism, such as that situation described in (1) of the
Resolution or where it is demonstrably probable that
employment of relatives in the same department would create
difficulties of the type described in the Resolution, the
Resolution would seem to have a rational basis. However, we
do not think that it was the intention of the Council, when
it enacted Resolution 83-15, to bar- in all cases employment
of more than one family menber by the Police or Fire
Departments. Hence, if the Council feels it necessary to
amend its Resolution to create its intended result, I would
suggest that (2) of Resolution 83-15 be amended to read as
follows:
112. To .refuse to place both spouses or relatives in the same
department, division, or facility, when it is denmonstrably
probable that such placement will create adverse impact on
supervision, safety, security, or moral, or involves
demonstrably probable conflicts of interests."
Under the foregoing standard, Michael Faught could and would
be hired by the City of Lodi as a Fireman. This is true
because, as everyone agrees, there are no specific facts in
Mr. Faught's situation which speak against his employment
other than his familial status itself. In other words, it is
not demonstrably probable that his employment will cause
problems in the area of supervision, safety, security, or
moral; in fact, in view of his support from the cormiLmity and
from the Department itself, all indications are that his
employment will have the opposite effect.
Thank you for your attention to the foregoing. We look
forward to presenting Michael Faught's case in further detail
at the Council Meeting of January 2, 1985.
Sincerely,
k
MAYALL, Iff-T IM, 12jil'S v, SMITH & CRFEN
f
BY: s/J. Anthony Abbott"
A very lengthy discussion followed with questions being
directed to the City Manager, City Attorney, Fire Chief
MacLeod and other umbers of the Staff who were present.Oft =
motion of Mayor Snider, Hinchman'second, Council directed
the City Attorney to draft an amendment to current City_"
policy that would restrict the hiring of relatives (of second
consanguinity) within. the same department by the City
Manager, Council, employees with appointive authority or
employees with supervisorial responsibilities. The City `
Attorney was further directed to have the subject draft `
available for discussion by the Council at a future Informal'
Informational Meeting.
The motion carried by unanimous vote of all Council Mmbers
present. P;
Mayor Snider directed the City Manager not to fill the vacant €
r Firefighter position until this matter is resolved.
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,COUNCIL COMMUNICATI
TO: THE CITY COUNCIL DATE NO.
FROM: THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE December 27, I984
SUBJECT: Nepotism in City BTployment
At the Citv Council meeting of December 19, 1984 Mike Faught, a candidate for
the position of Fire Fighter with the City of Lodi, appeared before you to seek
the help of the City Council in his effort to be appointed to the City service.
He has been denied appointment to the position because the appointment would be
in conflict with provisions of Resolution No. 83-15.
Resolution No. 83-15 defines the family members affected to include child,
brother, sister, parent or parent -in-law.
The pertinent provision of the Resolution reads ...the City of Lodi retains
the right:
2. To refuse to place both spouses or relatives in the same
department, division or facility where such has the potential for
creating adverse impact on supervision, safety, security or
morale or involves potential conflicts of interest."
Mike FaughtIs father is presently employed as a Fire Engineer with the Lodi
Fire Department. It was my finding that the appointment of Mike Faaght would
present a potential adverse impact on supervision, safety and morale in the
department.
Supervision. By the nature of its function, the members of the fire department
are generally required to serve on shifts and live together twenty four hours a
shift. Members of an irmediate family generally have a different relationship
involving loyalty and emotional concern than is found with unrelated
individuals. To avoid the problem as much as possible in the past, the
department head has scheduled relatives (we have had brothers in the department
since 1956 and 1958) on different shifts or different fire houses. This
precaution requires an added element to the function of supervisor. There is a
limit to the number of people that can be accomwdated in this way. There is
no reason why this burden should be undertaken in any event.
In addition, family mwbers can present other special scheduling problems, i.e.
vacations, switching shifts, etc.
Another supervisory problem has already been demonstrated in the case at hand.
The protective instincts of a parent. When one member of the family is
perceived by the other to have been unfairly dealt with by supervisors, the
supervisor may be confronted with both family members. In the instant case,
the father has been very prominent in the dispute. He protested to the Fire
Chief, City Manager, and Council Members for weeks before the son appeared to
speak for himself. This concern of a parent is certainly understandable, but
does it belong in the work place?
I think the public is entitled to the assurance that the City organization is
reasonably free of the complications of this nature which can affect the
delivery of services.
Safety. It is common knowledge that there is an element of hazard in the work
of re fighters: The safety of the fire fighter depends, to a large extent,
on adequate training in fire fighting and safety techniques and the proper
adherence to this training at the scene of a fire. When merybers of the same
family are involved at the scene of the fire it is important for the safety of
all involved that the split second decisions that sometimes mtist be made, be
made in accordance with learned practices and made objectively. Under certain
circumstances there is no roam for split loyalties that might endanger others.
This could present a conflict of interest that goes beyond monetary gain. I
think it would be hard for anyone to predict his action under these
circumstances.
Nbrale. In an organization of any size, it is not uncommnon to find
d sn satisfaction from time to time with the actions and decisions of supervisors
or the operation of the organization. Having family members involved in an
organization provides another element of concern, whether real or imaginary,
about the fairness with which all are treated. In a sense, there is a
empetitiveness present and the perceptions of an unfair advantage can be
destructive to morale. A common example is in assignimnts, schedules, shift
trading, or the request for special consideration of a personal problem.
Background of Policy. Prior to 1973 the City did not have a formal policy on
nepotism. When a situation arose that was questionable, a decision was made in
accordance with the perception of the appointing authority as to what was
proper or improper public policy. Many years ago a department head was denied
the right to carry on a family tradition by the hiring of his son. At another
time a supervisor was denied permission to hire his daughter. These are just
two examples that come to mind because each created a minor incident.
Two brothers were hired in the fire department in 1956 and 1958. Earlier than
that we had two brothers in the Public Works department. There were no special
problems other than the need to make arrangements to avoid the possibility of
conflict.
In 1973 the Fire Chief carne to me with concern about the number of family
members of firemen who had made application for .appointment as firemen. The
Chief's position was that he could manage the two brothers at the present time
but if he was confronted with relatives without limit he would have problems
that could no longer be managed by different shifts. At this time judicial
decisions, etc. made it apparent that a formal policy was needed and the matter
was brought to the City Council. Resolution 3805 was adopted by the City
Council on August 1, 1973. This resolution defined affective relatives and
denied approval of hiring of relatives in the same department, the employment
anywhere in the city service of relatives of employees in the City Nianager's
office; or the enployment anywhere in the city service of relatives of
Councilmen or department heads. This policy worked satisfactorily until 1983.
In 1983 a court decision was rendered bringing into question the policies that
might umaconstitutionally discriminate against individuals because of marital
status. At that time a revised resolution %vas presented and adopted by the
City Council (Resolution No. 83-15). The presentation to the City Council did
not propose a change in direction of policy, but rather a rewording and
recitation to comply with current law. In fact, the structure and wording of
Resolution No. 83-15 follows the provisions of the Government Code very
closely. It was certainly my understanding and my presentation to the City
-2-
w
Coimcil that the Resolution would accomplish the same thing as Resolutlon 3805,
but was worded differently to avoid any unconstitutional or illegal affects.
It is now apparent to me that some staff members misinterpreted the affects of
the revised resolution, even to the extent that they believed our former policy
had been abandoned and no restrictions existed. I believe this has been
corrected. In discussing the reason for misinterpretation, I believe much of
the problem arises from the individual understanding of the word "potential".
Others, including Mr. Faught and his attorney, seem to believe the resolution
provides the City Manager to make individual subjective determinations. I
believe this is not correct, nor would it be upheld in court. It should be
obvious that any standard must have an objective criteria. I do not believe
the resolution to authorize the appointing authority to make a case by case
judgement based on the individuals involved in the identical circumstances.
Rather, it requires him to examine the potential for conflict in a given
situation and treat all individuals alike.
I have no doubt about the qualifications or character of Mike Faught and I
think it inproper for me to render a decision under these circumstances based
upon my perception that he is a nice person or bad person, exceptionally
qualified or marginally qualified. I have repeated to all concerned the
question relies on the potental for conflict not on the question of whether
these particular individuals will be guilty of the conflict. Further, the
policy covers the need to avoid unnecessary complications in carrying out
operations of the city service.
The Resolution No. 83-15 says we will not deny employment on the basis of
familial or marital statics. It also says that in certain circumstances we
reserve the right to refuse to place family members where there is potential
to create problems or conflicts. Mr. Faught has not been denied employment
with the City of Lodi. He has been denied the placement in the same department
where his father is employed. Under our policy he could be employed in many
places in the city organization without question. It is his desire, in this
instance, to be placed in the fire department that places the matter before the
City Council.
I do not believe an individual has a constitutional right to a job with the
city goverment. Since any other individual would be treated the same under
the same circumstances, I do not believe unlawful discrimination is the issue.
If Mr. Faught is hired we must still meet the following issues in the future:
1. How many combinations of relatives can be absorbed
within the fire department before the problem
manifests itself into an unmanageable situation.
2. When or who will decide when the situation is unmanageable.
3. How do you tell the third, fourth or fifth combination
that we have reached that point where we can't accept
another.
4. If and when one member of the family combination qualifies
for promotion to a supervisory position, will he be denied
the promotion?
-3-
7
5. Regarding Cit; wide implementation of the policy, whose
definition of the word "potential" will be used"
In summary, I believe Mr. Faught's attorney is incorrect in arguing that we
should follow the practice of making subjective determinations on a case by
case basis based on the individuals involved.
I believe he is incorrect in arguing that the city is denving his client
employment with the city in violation of the City Councils resolution.
I heliewe he is obscuring the issues when he points to policies in large cities
which permit members of the ir,mediate family in the same fire department.
First, I do not believe these cities are more right than we are or that we
should use these cities as models. Secondly, if we had a dozen or two dozen
fire statierns with staff numbering in the hundreds, or even thousands, the
potential for problems might be less and the alternatives for managing the
problems would be much greater.
reetfully submitted,
Henry aves
City Manager
0TY COUNCIL
JOHN R. (Randy) SNIDER, Mayor
DAVID M. HINCHMAN
Mayor Pro Tempore
EVELYN M. OLSON
JAMES W. PINKERTON, Jr.
FRED M. REID
N
CITY OF LODI
CITY HALL, 221 WEST PINE STREET
POST OFFICE BOX 320
LODI, CALIFORNIA 95241
(209)334-5634
OCNFIDINrIAL MhYOZANIMI
TO: Mayor and City Council
FMI: City Manager
SLB- JBCr:.._ Implementation of Resolution 83-15 - Nepotism
HENRY A. CLAVES, Jr.
City Manager
ALICE M. REIMCHE
City Clerk
RONALD M. STEIN
City Attorney
Coincidently with the Faught dispute over the implementation of Resolution
83-15 the City is recruiting for two positions - Public Works/Parks Laborer and
Parking Enforcement Assistant (Meter Maid). The Personnel to in ornied me
t amt sizable nurber—ofre a fiveso-f—present employees were among the
applicants and asked for guidance in determination and implementation of the
city policy. The question arises because current implementation has been
challenged and is thus in doubt until the question is resolved.
One iss�je is whether all applicants should be permitted to take the examination
and apply the policy 'as applicable at time of appointment, or reject all
applications of those in conflict with the existing policy. Either methcd
could be used in the case of the Parking Enforcement Assistant but we would
have to change our recruiting and testing procedure in the case of the ecabined
Public Works and Park Laborer if we decide to reject prior to testing. This
requires explanation.
It has been our practice to hold one examination and establish one eligible
list for Parks and Public Works laborers since the qualifications for each is
the same. Once the list is established the respective department head can
interview and select from the same list. During the interview stage the
specific experience can be evaluated and the selection made on the basis of the
position best suited for the individual. Hence, the nepotism conflict can be
dealt with at this stage.
If we were to rule applicants out before the examination, it would be necessary
to give two different examinations and create two eligible lists, one for each
department. This would result in many applicants taking two tests which for
all extents and purposes would be identical.
I have marked this memo confidential because 1 wanted to attach the lists of
applicants with family members in the city service. I see no purpose in
publicizing these names, in fact it could cause harm to the applicants.
a
By including the lists, it will give the CoLmcil a feel for the nunber of cases
we deal with on a routine basis. It also affords an opportunity to identify
those applicants that might be judged ineligible for enployment because of the
closeness of relationship and those with distant relationship that fall outside
the restrictions in the city policy.
I used the word "might" in referring to those affected by the policy. Since
our policy only affects those that have a potential for creating a problem as
defined, there can be circumstances where the potential is not present. In the
Parks Department I suspect the potential will generally be present because of
the way we are structured and operate. In the Public Vbrks Department with its
variety of functions there may be circumstances within the departmnt where the
potential does not exist, i.e., sewer plant and a mechanic or a street
maintenance worker. In other words, we would be looking at the division in
many cases. We look at the career ladder, supervision, etc.
In any event, it is important to resolve the question. I have put these
examinations on hold until after the next meeting. We need to know if the
existing policy is correct from the point of view of the City Council. We need
to know if our implementation is in conformity with the Citv Councils policy.
And, most of all, we must determine where the responsibility rests for the
implementation. If it is delegated, it is iuportant that those responsible be
free of intimidation or pressure if it is to work objectively.
enryaves
City D.Jager
r�
APPLICANT'S NAME
-David M. Brown
--,john M. Falos
Keith W. Janke
William D. Johnson
Robert C. Knittel
Vernon Krenz
Jorold Kyle
Andrew C. Lemmon
Joe F. -Worimer
-Reynaldo Molina
Lloyd N. Smith
Ernesto D. Suavez
-Maria G. Suavez
Francisco B. Valdez
Eugenio Villa
Thomas J. Wagner
Michelle..R: Whiting
Kurt A. Wood
Mark A. Wood
- Dean D. Wright
i
PUBLIC WORKS/PARKS
LABORER RECRUITMENT
APPLICANTS WITH RELATIVES EMPLOYED BY THE
CITY
RELATIVE':, NAME
RELATIONSHIP
DEPT.
David L. Brown
Father
Parks & Rec.
Jack Falos
Father
Parks & Rec.
Ann Falos
Mother
Administration -
(PT)
Edwin A. Janke
Father
Public Works/WS
Ernest Nies
Brother in law
Police
Greg Nichols
Cousin
Parks & Rec.
Tim Halstead
Brother in law
Parks & Rec.
Gary O'Nesky
Brother in law
Public Works
Charles D. Lemmon
Father
Police
Laurey Lorimer
Nephew
P.W./W & S
Martiniano Molina
Brother
Parks&Rec:(PT)
Sandy Smith
Aunt
Finance
Duane Meacham
rather in law
Finance
Jose L. Ordaz
Brother
Parks & Rec.(PT)
Maria Inez Villa
Sister in law
Finance
Maria Inez Villa
Sister
Finance
Shirley Adolf
Mother
Finance
Steve Whiting
Brother
Utilitv
Warren A. Wood
Father
P.W. - Streets
Warren A. Wood
Father
P.W. - Streets
Duane Wright
Brother
Parks & Rec.
PARKING ENFO ,'T ASSISTr'1NT RECRUITMEM
APPLICANTS WITH RELATIVES EMPLOYED BY THE CITY
APPLICA1J1'S NAME
RELATIVE'S "NAME
RETATIUNSHIP
DEPT./DIVISION
Kenneth J. Baller
Jack Gerlack
father-in-law
Fire
Juan R. Barbosa
Mac Garcia
cousin
Police
-
Toni J. Bender
Jeffrey S. Bender
husband
Fire (volunteer)
Karen A. Benson
J. L. Benson, Sr.
hus'rand
Police
Kelly Briggs
Thanas Briggs
husband
Police
Reno G. DeBenedetti, Jr.
Ed DeBenedetti
3rd cousin
Parks & Rec.
ffKz
hunice Friederich
Lester Schlabs
cousin
Public Works/Egs p.
Maintenance
Christine Graviet
Melvin Grandi
brother-in-law
Utility/Engineering"�.
Margie A. Hammett
Arlon M. Thornesberry
father
Police:
Julie He_-mandez
Vickie Adrian
sister-in-law
Fire
Keith W. Janke
Edwin A. Janke
father
Public Works/ty/S
.'
Deborah Koenig
Judy Johnson
mother
Administration
,-..
Timothy Koenig
Judy Johnson
mother
Administration:
Jerold Kyle
Gary O'Nesky
brother-in-law
Public Works/StreetsF
Marilee 'Mai
Gary Mai
husband
Utility/l:ngineering
t v
Martha Moore
Roger A. Moore
husband
Public Works/WS (PT)
Debra L. Nies
Ernest A. Nies, Jr.
husband
Police
Jeanette Randolph
Daniel M. Randolph
husband
Police
Jane Randolph
sister-in-law
Police
Steve Rice
Albert Thurman
uncle
Utility,/Constructiar
i
& Maintenance
Lloyd N. Smith
Sandy Smith
aunt
Finance
(:Gloria V. Solis
Inez Villa
sister
Finance
t
Notified 12/20/84, by letter,
that we could not accept her application for
employment in
this position.
� • 91• �Iul�l\/!1
1 Fire Chief
3 Fire Aaninistrative Officer
3 Fire Shift Supervisor
1 Fire Inspector
6 Fire Captain
18 Fire Engineer
15 Fire righter (ore vacancy)
3
employment
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pursuant to
er functions
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Chapter 6
DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED
Article Section
Unlawful Practices, Generally ---------------------------------12940
.'. Housing Discrimination -------------------------------------12955
Chapter 6 ims added by Stats -1980, c. 992, § ¢.
Article 1
UNLAWFUL PRACTICES, GENERALLY
Sec.
129;'?. Employers, labor organizations, employment agencies and other
persons; unlawful employment practice; exceptions.
129,U. Age; unlawful employment practice by employers; exceptions.
12942. Continuation of employment beyond normal retirement date;
effect on pension or retirement plans; compulsory retirement.
2i'4;3. School districts; unlawful employment practice based on preg-
nancy or temporary disability.
2944. Licensing boards; unlawful acts based on examinations and
qualifications; determination of unlawfulness; inquiries; rec-
ords.
445. Pregnancy; childbirth or related medical condition; unlawful
practice by employers; benefits and leaves of absence; trans-
fer of position.
k 12945.5. Unlawful employment practice; sterilization.
12946. Retention of applications; records and files for two years; fail-
ure to retain as unlawful practice by employers, labor organi-
zations and employment agencies.
12347. Child care services for employees and members; not an unlawful
practice.
12348. Denial of civil rights as unlawful practice.
122550 to 12951. Repealed.
Article 1 was added by Stats.1980, c. 992, § 4.
§ 12940. Employers, labor organizations, employment agencies
and other persons; unlawful employment practice;
exceptions
It shall be an unlawful employment practice, unless based upon
bona fide occupational qualification, or, except where based upon
'APlicable security regulations established by the United States or
'• e State of California:
W For an employer, because of the race, religious creed, color,
r=ltional origin, ancestry, physical handicap, medical condition, marital
or sex of any person, to refuse to hire or employ the person
223
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-Div.
3
DISCRIMINATIONi 12940
employment
(2) to inter-
discrimina-
ive action in r
pursuant to
er functions
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r
tte.
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F
heir attend ;�.�
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ks or papers
i before the `
ince to such;_
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Chapter 6
DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED
Article Section
Unlawful Practices, Generally ---------------------------------12940
.'. Housing Discrimination -------------------------------------12955
Chapter 6 ims added by Stats -1980, c. 992, § ¢.
Article 1
UNLAWFUL PRACTICES, GENERALLY
Sec.
129;'?. Employers, labor organizations, employment agencies and other
persons; unlawful employment practice; exceptions.
129,U. Age; unlawful employment practice by employers; exceptions.
12942. Continuation of employment beyond normal retirement date;
effect on pension or retirement plans; compulsory retirement.
2i'4;3. School districts; unlawful employment practice based on preg-
nancy or temporary disability.
2944. Licensing boards; unlawful acts based on examinations and
qualifications; determination of unlawfulness; inquiries; rec-
ords.
445. Pregnancy; childbirth or related medical condition; unlawful
practice by employers; benefits and leaves of absence; trans-
fer of position.
k 12945.5. Unlawful employment practice; sterilization.
12946. Retention of applications; records and files for two years; fail-
ure to retain as unlawful practice by employers, labor organi-
zations and employment agencies.
12347. Child care services for employees and members; not an unlawful
practice.
12348. Denial of civil rights as unlawful practice.
122550 to 12951. Repealed.
Article 1 was added by Stats.1980, c. 992, § 4.
§ 12940. Employers, labor organizations, employment agencies
and other persons; unlawful employment practice;
exceptions
It shall be an unlawful employment practice, unless based upon
bona fide occupational qualification, or, except where based upon
'APlicable security regulations established by the United States or
'• e State of California:
W For an employer, because of the race, religious creed, color,
r=ltional origin, ancestry, physical handicap, medical condition, marital
or sex of any person, to refuse to hire or employ the person
223
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§ 12940 FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING Title 2
or to refuse to select the person for a training program leading to
employment, or to bar or to discharge such person from employment
or from a training program leading to employment, or to discriminate
against such person in compensation or in terms, conditions or privi-
leges of employment.
(1) Nothing in this part shall prohibit an employer from refus-
ing to hire or discharging a physically handicapped employee, or sub-
ject an employer to any legal liability resulting from the refusal to
employ or the discharge of a physically handicapped employee, where
the employee, because of his or her physical handicap, is unable to per-
form his or her duties, or cannot perform such duties in a manner
which would not endanger his or her health or safety or the health
5 2•
and safety of others.
(2) Nothing in this part shall prohibit an employer from refus-
ing to hire or discharging an employee who, because of the employee's`
medical condition, is unable to perform his or her duties, or cannot
perform such duties in a manner which would not endanger the
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employee's health or safety or the health or safety of others. Noth-
ing in this part shall subject an employer to any legal liability result-
ing from the refusal to employ or the discharge of an employee who,
because of the employee's medical condition, is unable to perform
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his or her duties, or cannot perform such duties in a manner which
would not endanger the employee's health or safety or the health or
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safety of others..
(3) Nothing in this part relating to discrimination on account
of marital status shall either (i) affect the right of an employer to
reasonably. regulate, for reasons of supervision, safety, security, or
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morale, the working of spouses in the same department, division, or
facility, consistent with the rules and regulations adopted by the com-
mission, or (ii) prohibit bona fide health plans from providing addi-
tional or greater benefits to employees with dependents than to those
employees without or with fewer dep indents.
(b) For a labor organization, because of the race, religious creed,
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color, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, medical condition,
marital status, or sex of any person, to exclude, expel or restrict from
its membership such person, or to provide only second-class or seg-
regated membership or to discriminate against any person because
of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical
handicap, medical condition, marital status, or sex of such person
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in the election of officers of the labor organization or in the selection
of the labor organization's staff or to discriminate in anyway against
any of its members or against any employer or against any person
employed by an employer.
(c) For any person to discriminate against any person in the
selection or training of that person in any apprenticeship training
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Div. 3 DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED § 12941
program or any other training program leading to employment be-
cause of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry,
physical handicap, medical condition, marital status, or sex of the
person discriminated against.
(d) For any employer or employment agency, unless specifically
acting in accordance with federal equal employment opportunity
guidelines and regulations approved by the commission, to print or
circulate or cause to be printed or circulated any publication; or to
make any non -job-related inquiry, either verbal or through use of an
application form, which expresses, directly or indirectly, any limita-
tion, specification, or discrimination as to race, religious creed, color,
national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, medical condition, mar-
ital status, or sex, or any intent to make any such limitation, specifi-
cation or discrimination. Nothing in this subdivision shall prohibit
any employer from making, in connection with prospective employ-
ment, an inquiry as to, or a request for information regarding, the
physical fitness, medical condition, physical condition or medical his-
_ory of applicants if that inquiry or request for information is directly
related and pertinent to the position the applicant is applying for or
-?irectly related to a determination of whether the applicant would
endanger his or her health or safety or the health or safety of others.
(e) For any employer, labor organization or employment agency
to discharge, expel or otherwise discriminate against any person be-
cause the person has opposed any practices forbidden under this part
or because the person has filed a complaint, testified or assisted in
any proceeding under this part.
(f) For any person to aid, abet, incite, compel, or coerce the doing
of any of the acts forbidden under this part, or to attempt to do so.
(g) For the governing board of a school district to violate Sec-
tion 44066 or 87402 of the Education Code.
(Added by Stats.1980, c. 992, § 4.)
Historical Note
Former § 12940, added by Stats.1963, c. the state's title to all proprietary lands,
1786, p, 3571, § 1, requiring the department was repealed by Stats -1965. e. 371, p. 1:339,
to maintain records and other evidence of § 149. See, now,§ 14730.
§ 12941. Age; unla-altil employment practice by employers;
exceptions
(a) It is an unlawful employment practice for an employer to re-
fuse to hire or employ, or to discharge, dismiss, reduce, suspend, or de-
mote, any individual over the age of 40 on the ground of age, except
in cases where the law compels or provides for such action. This
section shall not be construed to make unlawful the rejection or ter-
mination of employment where the individual applicant or employee
225