Day 137 - 19 Jun 95 - Page 13
1 that is the difference between the two countries, I think.
2
3 Q. It may be that that difference is eroding; we must hope so,
4 Mr. Stein. Can I ask you to what extent is the Company's
5 activity in the field of equality opportunities, may I call
6 it that for short ---
7 A. Yes.
8
9 Q. -- equal opportunities, a consequence simply of legal
10 obligations imposed on the Company by the government?
11 A. It goes far beyond that.
12
13 Q. What legal obligations are imposed on the Company by
14 Federal or State law?
15 A. There are two possible ways; one is if an employer has
16 been found guilty of discrimination, if you will, of not
17 treating women minorities fairly. The government will
18 impose through the court system, if you will, legal
19 obligations to correct that situation and improve your
20 lot. The other obligation comes by way of if you are
21 providing goods and services to the government.
22
23 Q. To the government?
24 A. That is correct.
25
26 Q. Government contracts; what do they impose on the supplier
27 by way of equal opportunities?
28 A. It again requires you to give equal opportunities.
29
30 Q. So that is more in the positive or affirmative sense, is
31 it?
32 A. It is more in making sure you are not doing anything
33 wrong than necessarily forcing you to do anything beyond
34 that.
35
36 Q. So what you would call affirmative action is not a legal
37 obligation in the United States?
38 A. It is not a legal obligation. In fact, you may have
39 seen on television that there is heavy debate with regard
40 to those issues in the United States right now.
41
42 Q. Whether there should or not be a legal obligation?
43 A. Yes.
44
45 Q. So far as you are concerned, does McDonald's apply a policy
46 of affirmative action in relation to the composition of its
47 workforce?
48 A. Excuse me?
49
50 Q. Does McDonald's apply a policy of affirmative action?
51 A. Absolutely; we have since the 70s, and I have
52 particular responsibility in that area.
53
54 Q. I want to take the negative first in a moment.
55 Discrimination on the grounds of gender or race or,
56 perhaps, religion ---
57 A. Yes.
58
59 Q. -- may be an offence at law ---
60 A. It is.
