Federal Personnel: The EEO Implications of Reductions-In-Force
Highlights
GAO discussed the impact of reductions-in-force (RIF) on minorities and women at three Department of Defense installations. GAO noted that: (1) RIF actions have resulted in separations of minorities in numbers disproportionate to the numbers in the workforce at the three installations reviewed; (2) women have been separated in disproportionate numbers at two of the locations; (3) minorities and women ranked lower than their nonminority and male counterparts in all positions and they continue to be vulnerable to disproportionate separation in future RIF actions; (4) RIF lessen the gains made by minorities and women in the workforce, particularly at mid- and higher-level positions; and (5) downsizing alternatives that emphasize voluntary retirements and resignations with separation incentives may effect relatively larger numbers of white males leaving voluntarily, and improve the overall diversity of the smaller workforce.