Under the threat of payments US wants European companies to change staff hires
European companies have been warned to change their diversity and inclusion policies if they want to continue their contracts, US customers, Reuters reports on Monday.
Local suppliers of US embassies and consulates, as well as recipients of US grants, must observe the ban on participation in programs of diversity, justice and inclusion (DEI) or risk losing payments.
« The US Embassy in Spain, like all our embassies around the world, reports to our local products and services providers a new framework based on the latest executive orders signed by President Trump, » said a spokesman for the US Embassy in Madrid.
« Google » puts an end to programs to promote the variety for staff
| « We want to ensure that our contracts are in line with all federal anti -discrimination laws and that suppliers do not manage programs that promote diversity, justice and inclusion in violation of existing federal laws, » the spokesman added. |
Written warnings reflect the ambition of US President Donald Trump to expand the action outside the United States on an enforcement order issued in January, which orders leaders of government agencies to remove diversity policies and inclusion in the private sector.
Policies known as Dei (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) encouraged the fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially groups that were under -represented or subjected to discrimination based on identity or disability.
These include accessibility measures for people with disabilities, reducing differences in paying women and men for the same job, expanding the employment practices among the poorly represented demographic groups, conducting anti -discriminatory trainings, and more.
According to the letter sent to companies outside the United States, if they guarantee that they do not participate in such programs are not presented, this will lead to freezing payments. The companies have received a questionnaire entitled « Certification on compliance with the applicable federal anti -discrimination law », which must be completed to determine whether they are eligible for continuation of cooperation.
The instructions are thought to have been sent to a wide range of companies, including those that supply the homes of US Embassy employees with water, gas and electricity, to newspapers for which the embassies are subscribed to catering suppliers.
Between the hammer and the anvil
The Spanish Ministry of Labor said the US Directive is a « striking violation » of strict laws to combat discrimination and diversity and companies that want to comply with them will be investigated by the Labor Inspectorate.
American Space Barcelona, based in the Sant Andreu Municipal Library, is a Spanish organization that received the letter as it receives funding from the US Embassy. The project provides resources in English, cultural programs and educational guidelines and information about the United States.
Barcelona Mayor Hame Colboni told local media that the letter is part of a « reaction avalanche » pushed by the Trump administration against Europe and the democratic values we defend. «
Letter from Sofia
The US Embassy in Bulgaria has sent a letter to a German carmaker BMW, whose customer is, asking to comply with the policy for DEI, a acquaintance said.
In a statement to Reuters, BMW says he believes that « the diverse prospects and talents strengthen our company » and « contribute to increasing our innovative power and competitiveness. »
| « Discrimination in any form has no place in our company, » it says in it. « We will continue our ESG activities (environmental, social and management topics) as planned. We also do not follow the short -term trends in these areas, but follow a clear plan for moderation and balance. » |
Letters have also been sent to French companies, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry in Paris, which says that « US intervention in the policies for the inclusion of French companies, along with threats of unjustified duties, is unacceptable. »
A spokesman for the European Commission said on Monday that the EU has legislation, both European and national levels in Member States, which encourages diversity, justice and inclusion and that it supports organizations that support the creation of more diverse jobs because « we believe that they attract talents, increase creativity and innovation. »
