Affirmative Action: Pennsylvania

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Christin Choi, Fisher Phillips

Summary

• Pennsylvania does not require private employers to establish affirmative action programs. Private employers may, however, develop affirmative action plans, but should avoid quotas and be aware of the prohibition against discrimination set forth in the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. See Private Employers.
• State contractors, suppliers, vendors, or other persons who receive funding from the Commonwealth are not required to establish affirmative action programs. They are, however, required to include in all contracts a nondiscrimination clause. If a state contractor is found to be noncompliant with the nondiscrimination clause, then it may be required to establish an affirmative action program. See State Contractors.
• Any person or organization which sponsors an apprenticeship program may be required to establish an affirmative action program pursuant to the Apprenticeship and Training Act. See Apprenticeship and Training Programs.