Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

ESA Press Release: Eli Lilly, 10 Others, Recognized by U.S. Labor Department as Equal Opportunity, Equal Pay Employers [10/07/1999]

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Eli Lilly and Co. was recognized today for its corporate-wide policy of equal opportunity and equal pay. The Indianapolis pharmaceutical firm received the Opportunity 2000 Award from Labor Secretary Alexis M. Herman during a ceremony today in Washington, D.C.

Another 10 companies and organizations were also recognized for their efforts in equal opportunity and equal pay.

"Eli Lilly has set an example for corporate America to follow into the 21st Century," Secretary Herman said. "Success in the new economy depends on honoring diversity by recognizing talent and practicing fairness. This company proves that equal opportunity and equal pay are good for the bottom line."

Opportunity 2000 is the top award presented annually by the department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to federal contractors and public interest groups with exemplary equal opportunity practices. The contract compliance office enforces equal employment and affirmative action requirements of all companies that do business with the federal government.

At Eli Lilly, the number of minority executives increased from three percent in 1993 to 11 percent last year. By 1998, women made up 30 percent of all Eli Lilly managers and 27 percent of all new vice presidents. Lilly personnel officers analyze pay during performance evaluations as a safeguard against pay inequities.

"Eli Lilly identifies women and minorities with potential and prepares them for management positions," Shirley J. Wilcher, OFCCP director, said. "More than four times as many women are in the talent pipeline today as in 1996 and the number of minorities has doubled. This is remarkable progress and Eli Lilly is to be commended."

The Opportunity 2000, Exemplary Voluntary Efforts EVE -- and Exemplary Public Interest Contribution EPIC -- awards were initiated by the contract compliance office to recognize companies and organizations that go beyond legal requirements in hiring and promoting women, minorities and those with disabilities.

EVE recipients for 1999 are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware; Hawaiian Electric Industries, Honolulu; the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Wash.; Payne & Dolan highway construction in Waukesha, Wisc., and University Hospitals of Cleveland.

EPIC award winners are the National Committee on Pay Equity, Washington, D.C.; National Urban League affiliates in Portland, Ore., Charlotte, N.C., and Omaha, Neb.; United Indian Nations of Oakland, Calif., and the Vietnam Veterans Workshop in Boston.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.