Affirmative Action

Many companies today are getting away from stating that they have an Affirmative Action policy, but instead utilized the term "Equal Employment Opportunity" instead. At Blue Cross and Blue Shield, there is a continuous strive to be an equal opportunity employer. They focus on hiring and training every level of qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or disabled status. These same requirements are imposed when seeking promotional opportunities within the company. And actions will be taken to ensure that these objectives are met.

In order to ensure this policy is kept, the Human Resources Director has the responsibility to oversee the programs that are in place and reporting the results to the Vice President of Human Resources. However, each area's supervisor or officer within the company is held accountable to ensure the success of the program and will be responsible that the guidelines are being met.

Harassment based on any of the above is strictly prohibited. Verbal or physical conduct that displays any form of hostility toward any other individual based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or disabled status is considered to be a form of harassment and will be handled as such.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield seek to recruit and hire qualified handicapped people as it complies with the Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Based on this act no handicapped person will be discriminated against regardless of their handicap as it relates to job assignments, pay, or promotion. In addition, no discrimination will be used in regards to termination, working conditions, accessibility, or benefits. There is also a policy that is in place to actively recruit disable veterans as part of the Section 402 of the Vietnam-Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act. As a company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield are always looking for way to benefit those individuals who are qualified and seeking to better themselves.

There is further a policy for merit employment that the company takes further actions to ensure the equal employment opportunities are available and given on the basis of individual merit. This policy encourages individuals to seek employment with Blue Cross and Blue Shield for those who are striving for advancement on this basis.

In any event, that an applicant or employee feels that they have been denied an employment