Mayor Walsh announces new funding for workplace sensitivity training

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a new investment of $500,000 for workplace sensitivity training to be included in the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) budget. This new funding will support expanded training on racial and gender bias, sexual harassment and employee awareness through initiatives such as workshops for employees and managers, hiring facilitators to lead discussions on these important issues, and updating policies and training manuals. 

"It's incredibly important that we are providing managers with the tools necessary to lead a safe and welcoming workplace for all people, regardless of their gender, race or sexual orientation," said Mayor Walsh. "It is my priority to ensure that every manager at the City of Boston knows their responsibilities when it comes to harassment in the workplace and every employee knows their rights. We will not tolerate any behavior that goes against these values and this additional training will only help to ensure an inclusive workplace for all."

Training will begin with the public safety departments at the City of Boston, which include Emergency Medical Services, the Boston Fire Department, and the Boston Police Department.

"This commitment by Mayor Walsh will allow for the City of Boston to ensure it has the most up-to-date employment policies and providing the most effective training to its managers and employees," said Chief Financial Officer Emme Handy, whose responsibilities include oversight of the budget, as well as Human Resources and Labor Relations. "I look forward to working closely with public safety and all departments as we begin this important work." 

"As we continue our focus on building a diverse workforce at the City of Boston, I am confident that anti-bias training will be an informative and helpful resource," said Danielson Tavares, Chief Diversity Officer. "I have worked in partnership with departments across the city, especially the diversity officers at Boston Police and Boston Fire, over the past few years to ensure we are attracting and supporting a diverse pool of candidates and I welcome Mayor Walsh's unwavering support in furthering our diversity goals." 

In January, Mayor Walsh required cabinet and department heads at the City of Boston to attend sexual harassment training. Previously, a mandatory training for cabinet and department heads on sexual harassment, ethics and other employee policies was held in October 2015. In addition, all City of Boston employees sign an acknowledgment of harassment policies upon hire. 

Consistent with Boston's annual budget process, the Mayor will resubmit the FY19 Operating Budget to the City Council on June 18, 2018. 

For more information about the budget, visit Boston's budget website: budget.boston.gov