Union Pacific has earned a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, earning it a place on the foundation’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality list, the railroad has announced.
Union Pacific was the only railroad to earn a 100% score. Amtrak and BNSF Railway also scored well, at 90%
“Union Pacific is proud to lead the rail industry on its journey to creating greater workplace equality,” Beth Whited, executive vice president and chief human resource officer, said in a press release. “This recognition is the culmination of our team working together for decades to relentlessly drive change.”
To earn a high score, companies must meet the index criteria in four areas: workplace protection of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression; inclusive benefit and health plans; supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility; and responsible citizenship.
Debra Schrampfer, assistant vice president and chief diversity office, said the score reflected the company’s work to “better align our policies and programs with our railroad’s values. … We broadened our benefit offerings to be more inclusive to LGBTQ+ employees, created an environment of belonging with strategic and sustained programming, empowered our systems with gender-neutral optionality, and promoted learning opportunities for all.”
Union Pacific was one of 842 businesses to earn a 100% score. Amtrak notes that when the index began in 2002, only 13 companies received a top score. This year’s report, available here, recognizes 1,271 companies.
“At Amtrak, doing the right thing is core to our value system,” CEO Stephen Gardner said in a press release. “Being recognized by the Human Rights Campaign validates Amtrak’s work to continue building a diverse and inclusive workplace.” Qiana Spain, executive vice president and human resources officer, said the score acknowledges “efforts to make all employees feel valued and respected. We are honored to join the growing list of companies that strive to champion members of the LGBTQ+ community.”
In a statement, Judy Carter, BNSF vice president and chief human resources officer, said, “Diversity, equality and inclusion are at the core of BNSF’s Vision and Values. We are committed to a culture where every team member has an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. It is an honor to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign and to stand with our peers who share the belief that every employee deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
CSX and Norfolk Southern both received scores of 75. The full list of ratings is available here.
— Updated at 1:43 p.m. CST to include BNSF among railroads making list; updated at 4:02 p.m. CST with BNSF statement.
So how are they doing as an operating outfit? As in service to their customers? That’s the important thing–not how they are doing on a Woke check-list or POTUS speeches. For a moment I thought this piece would be about UP’s winning the Harriman again–that’s Human “Rights” of the proper kind!
While on the one hand we are all equal in the eyes of God, who is no respecter of persons, it is still interesting to note how are values have changed.