New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has written to eleven companies seeking information on their adherence to the MacBride Principles on Fair Employment.
The letter asks each to respond with confirmation that they are adhering to the MacBride Principles and explain what specifically they've done to ensure it's being followed.
DiNapoli, custodian of New York State's pension funds, wrote to Associated British Foods PLC, Crawford & Company, Danske Bank A/S, Diageo PLC, Ecolab Inc., KONE Oyj, McDonald's Corporation, News Corporation, Next PLC, SGS SA and Stericycle, Inc.
By way of a sample, the letter to McDonald's States: "I write as Trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (CRF), one of the largest public pension funds in the United States, which holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of its 1.2 million members, retirees, and beneficiaries.
"As a shareholder of McDonald's Corporation, I am writing in accordance with New York State Law, to determine the existence of actions being taking by McDonald's Corporation to eliminate ethnic or religious discrimination in Northern Ireland.
"Employment discrimination negatively impacts workforce recruitment and retention, stifles growth, and threatens long-term value. Companies operating in Northern Ireland can take proactive measures to address underrepresentation and promote equality of opportunity for individuals from all religious backgrounds in order to avoid these negative effects.
"I am requesting that McDonald's Corporation provide a response confirming adherence to the MacBride Principles, including company policies and specific efforts in Northern Ireland to: 1) increase the representation of individuals from underrepresented religious groups in your workforce including managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical, and technical positions; and 2) provide a safe, inclusive workplace free from discrimination and the display of provocative religious or political emblems."
Each letter concludes with Comptroller DiNapoli looking forward to a response.
