By Molly Parker
mparker@scbiznews.com
Published Nov. 9, 2009
State Sen. Robert Ford has penned letters to the Boeing Co. and its general contractor Turner Construction seeking information about the companies’ minority and women hiring practices and available subcontracting opportunities.
Ford, on behalf of members of the S.C. Legislative Black Caucus, addressed the letters to Boeing President and CEO Jim McNerney, and Turner Construction President and CEO Peter Davoren.
“They wanted to make sure that African Americans and women get their fair share,” Ford said of the committee members.
Ford, a Charleston Democrat, represents the district that includes Boeing’s current fuselage assembly plants and the site where Boeing is building its second Dreamliner assembly line. He chairs the 39-member caucus’ Civil Rights & Affirmative Action Committee.
In his letter to McNerney, Ford said the committee is “interested in securing information regarding employment of African-Americans.”
It continued: “We are specifically interested in the range of positions within the [North] Charleston plant facility, the salary ranges, required qualifications, etc.”
Ford also requested race and gender statistics for positions in other Boeing facilities and a breakdown of the company’s minority contractor policies and procedures.”
The black population accounts for 55% of residents in Ford’s district, and 40% of the population in the greater Charleston region, according to the senator’s letter.
Related documents
Read letter to Boeing’s CEO
Read letter to Turner Construction’s CEO
Ford, who is a candidate for governor, also requested meetings with personnel at Boeing to discuss “the community, partnerships, positive employment campaigns and training programs for potential employees.”
Boeing could not immediately be reached Monday afternoon, but Ford said company representatives have responded to him regarding the letter dated Oct. 30.
Ford forwarded the same letter to Turner Construction, and also specifically asked Turner’s Davoren about opportunities for “local minority contractors and subcontractors in conjunction with the project.”
On Friday, Boeing announced that it had selected a joint venture between New York-based Turner and Charlotte-headquartered BE&K Building Group as the general contractor for the construction project, which is expected to break ground this month. The design partner for the project is BRPH, based out of Melbourne, Fla.
Gov. Mark Sanford said the project could create up to 2,000 construction jobs, though neither Boeing or its general contractor have pinpointed a specific number.
For more on Boeing, check out today’s issue of Charleston Regional Business Journal, which includes a special report on the company’s decision to build a second Dreamliner assembly plant in North Charleston.
Reach Molly Parker at 843-849-3144.
May the best man or woman for the job win Senator Ford. Hopefully Boeing and Turner Construction doesn't feel obligated or intimidated by the strong arm tactics of Ford and his caucus. Go back to Washington Senator Ford and finish screwing up there before you start anew.
Mike from Seattle, if you'd like to enlighten me on where the racist comments are it would help to understand your point of view. Facts are facts my friend. The midnight letter sent by Senator Ford was selfish, underhanded and typical of our despicable politicians.
Why are differing comments made by others always referred too as racist? Is it because you really don’t have anything constructive to say and you only want to hear yourself talk? Look me up if you come to Charleston Mike. We’ll plan on having a glass of tea with Senator Ford and I’ll introduce you to no less than fifty of your former Seattle neighbors.
I don't know about Ford's district but those are not accurate statistics for the tri county area.
And I am a small minority owned business.
Very interesting letter, Mr. Ford. I noticed two things:
1) You state that the African-American community has borne the brunt of the 11% unemployment rate in SC. If you're suggesting that AAs have been fired disproportionately to any other people group, it should be taken up with the EEOC. Stating this in your letter makes you look ignorant of procedure.
2) You CC'd "The Honorable Lindsey Graham", but omitted "The Honorable Jim DeMint". Why would that be?
I'm sure Boeing will comply with your request because they are a respectable business who no doubt obeys the employment laws, but what do you expect to accomplish from this? That there are 31% African-Americans in the state and when they hire 15% you can cry "discrimination"? I hope they hire the most qualified applicant regardless of race so that the plane I fly in is the safest!
If you really want to end racism, stop asking race and gender characteristics on job applications and may the most qualified candidate win.
It's letters like this that propogate racism.
Affirmative Action is often misunderstood. In practice, it is a wonderful tool to recognize the company's committment to fair hiring practices. However, Affirmative Action law does not state that a company is required to hire women and minority employees at the same percentage as the local population. A company is only required to hire or give the opportunity to those who are qualified for the job, based on job description/skills sets. For example, if there is a 40% minority population (per Sen. Robert Ford) in the district, but only 10% are qualified to work a specific job at the Boeing plant, then Boeing must try to have a proportionate amount of minorities within that job/job category.
Dear Boeing,
Please do not let a man whom cannot see past race set the tone for your arrival.
You are very welcome to our town.
I'm sure whatever race, creed, and/ or origin is qualified shall be hired.
It is unfortunate that Senator Ford is (1) an elected official and (2) isn't more concerned on educating his constituents to become qualified to your standards because if they were qualified, then, he would not need to worry about "disadvantaged peoples" set-asides.
I look forward to your future here in Charleston.
It is interesting that the comment I have read so far have implied that the minority population is less qualified by more than half than that the whites! This is the kind of ignorant thinking and racist beliefs that Senator Ford is trying prevent from infiltrating into Boeing hiring practices in the good ole south.
Mike from Seattle -
Same Caucus that visited Cuba and came back gushing what a great dude Fidel Castro is? BTW, if you're looking for a statue of Vladimir Lenin like you have in Freakmont, you won't find it in Charleston. You really should visit the "Good Ole South" before you condemn it. If find it much more tolerant than Seattle.
Yes