Czech association introduces “Ethnic Friendly” label

A new “Ethnic Friendly” label has been introduced by the IQ Roma Servis Czech Romany Association to promote and appreciate those employers who do not discriminate job applicants on the grounds of their ethnic origin. The project also aims at motivating other companies to acquire non-discriminatory practices. If a company meets the conditions laid out by the organization they are given the right to use the “Ethnic Friendly” logo. In order for a company to receive the logo, it must apply and undergo a personnel audit. IQ Roma Servis will then either recommend changes or grant them use of the logo. To date, mainly Czech branches of international companies, with thousands of employees, do not discriminate against job applicants by adopting the practices of their parent company, said project coordinator Sarka Polova. Polova said that some Czech employers use obstacles against employing Romanies, i.e. they demand a clean crime record for positions where it is not necessary. One of the first Czech companies to receive the honour is Inventec a producer of computer and telephone components.