Boston could begin to fine contractors under its diversity hiring policy — but not for missing the hiring targets
By: Daniel Kool, Photo: Elise Amendola / AP
Boston's construction industry has been grappling with diversity and equity issues for years, with efforts to promote equal opportunities for workers from underrepresented communities often falling short. However, in a recent development, the city has proposed a new approach to incentivize contractors to prioritize diversity hiring. Boston is now considering implementing fines on contractors who fail to comply with its diversity hiring policy, but not necessarily for failing to meet specific hiring targets.
Under the proposed policy, contractors could be fined for not making sufficient efforts to meet the diversity goals outlined in Boston's diversity hiring policy. This would shift the focus away from simply meeting hiring quotas and towards creating a more equitable workforce, which is crucial in a city with a long history of systemic racism and discrimination.