Prince George’s County readers may be aware that their county is being considered as the location of the new headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Maryland officials have reportedly already indicated their support for the proposal. Greenbelt’s city council also expressed an affirmative vote for the FBI’s proposed relocation to a site situated within access of the Greenbelt metro station. However, deliberations are still ongoing, as the FBI also considers several other regional locations.
Having a federal employer in Prince George’s County might not only stimulate local business, but also provide a model for local employment agreement practices. In a slumping economy, the potential for disputes related to employee benefits and diversity practices might be increased. The FBI’s approach to such matters, viewable on its website, offers some guidance in matters of employer-provided health benefits, on-the-job injuries, retirement benefits and proactive measures against workplace discrimination.
Of particular note is the FBI’s commitment to diversity, reflected in various diversity programs modeled after the best practices put forth by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Those programs offer training in cultural diversity to every employee. The FBI also has a monitoring and reporting procedure for hiring practices not in compliance with applicable federal and state discrimination laws.
Although every employer is responsible for designing and installing its own employment policies, the FBI is an example of a preventive approach to employment law issues and disputes. One of the best ways to head off future employment disputes is to codify labor procedures in employee handbooks, employment agreements and official corporate policies. In that regard, an employment law attorney might help local Prince George’s County employers ensure that all pertinent employment areas are addressed. Making such information visible and accessible to all employees might help to minimize employment-based claims or misunderstandings.
Source: greenbelt.patch.com, “Maryland Congressional Delegation Backs FBI in Prince George’s County,” Jenni Pompi, April 11, 2013