|
 Printer-Friendly Version
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 693-4650
Eli Lilly and Co. was recognized today for its corporate-wide policy of
equal opportunity and equal pay. The Indianapolis pharmaceutical firm received
the Opportunity 2000 Award from Labor Secretary Alexis M. Herman during a
ceremony today in Washington, D.C.
Another 10 companies and organizations were also recognized for their
efforts in equal opportunity and equal pay.
"Eli Lilly has set an example for corporate America to follow into the
21st Century," Secretary Herman said. "Success in the new economy depends on
honoring diversity by recognizing talent and practicing fairness. This company
proves that equal opportunity and equal pay are good for the bottom line."
Opportunity 2000 is the top award presented annually by the department's
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to federal contractors and
public interest groups with exemplary equal opportunity practices. The contract
compliance office enforces equal employment and affirmative action requirements
of all companies that do business with the federal government.
At Eli Lilly, the number of minority executives increased from three
percent in 1993 to 11 percent last year. By 1998, women made up 30 percent of
all Eli Lilly managers and 27 percent of all new vice presidents. Lilly
personnel officers analyze pay during performance evaluations as a safeguard
against pay inequities.
"Eli Lilly identifies women and minorities with potential and prepares
them for management positions," Shirley J. Wilcher, OFCCP director, said. "More
than four times as many women are in the talent pipeline today as in 1996 and
the number of minorities has doubled. This is remarkable progress and Eli Lilly
is to be commended."
The Opportunity 2000, Exemplary Voluntary Efforts EVE -- and Exemplary
Public Interest Contribution EPIC -- awards were initiated by the contract
compliance office to recognize companies and organizations that go beyond legal
requirements in hiring and promoting women, minorities and those with
disabilities.
EVE recipients for 1999 are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware; Hawaiian
Electric Industries, Honolulu; the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
Richland, Wash.; Payne & Dolan highway construction in Waukesha, Wisc., and
University Hospitals of Cleveland.
EPIC award winners are the National Committee on Pay Equity, Washington,
D.C.; National Urban League affiliates in Portland, Ore., Charlotte, N.C., and
Omaha, Neb.; United Indian Nations of Oakland, Calif., and the Vietnam Veterans
Workshop in Boston.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
| 
