labor lawAdivision of labor law center

A recent Washington, D.C. summit aims to reverse discrimination against Asian Pacific Americans in Colorado and throughout the nation. Asian Pacific Americans currently comprise 4.8% of the federal workforce. Yet, they occupy just 3.2% of the management positions.

US Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao is the first Asian American woman to serve as a cabinet secretary. She leads the Department of Labor, which employs a record number of Asian Pacific Americans in non-career positions. In this case, non-career positions are those that are not political appointments.

US Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao is doing her part to eliminate discrimination in the workplace. Chao recently presided over the Sixth Annual Asian Pacific American Federal Career Advancement Summit in Washington D.C. Held on May 3, the event boasted a record number of attendees. The event highlighted federal job opportunities throughout Colorado and the nation for residents of Asian Pacific descent.

Every employer knows that discrimination is illegal under the Colorado discrimination laws. Yet, too few do anything to actively prevent discrimination.

“This summit is a networking and training opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans seeking to advance in the federal sector,” said Secretary Chao. “The federal government is the single largest employer in the United States, and new job opportunities open up almost every day. In the next 10 years, 60% of the federal work force will be eligible for retirement.”

The summit was held in cooperation with the US Office of Personnel Management. Its goal was to attract minority employees, while helping Asian Pacific Americans in the federal government build their career skills. The even included a plenary session, executive coaching by senior managers, and a number of workshops. An exhibit hall provided resources, and personal motivational testimonies provided inspiration and tips on how to progress in the workplace. The ten workshops included topics such as developing management potential, attracting effective employees and keeping top talent. For those new to the workforce, workshops included skills training in resume writing and interviewing.

The first annual summit was held in 2002 with just one federal partner and 150 attendees. This year, a record 1,300 people registered for the event, setting a new record. There were 31 exhibitors this year, many of whom were highlighting employment opportunities at their agencies.

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