HISPANIC AVIATION EMPLOYEES ALLEGE CLASS-WIDE DISCRIMINATION

Adolfo Junior" Zavala, President of the National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees, announced that the Hispanic Coalition and FAA employee Roberto Davila have today asked the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate allegations that the Federal Aviation Administration is denying career advancement to its mid-level professional Hispanic employees.

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HISPANIC AVIATION EMPLOYEES ALLEGE CLASS-WIDE DISCRIMINATION

Washington, DC, March 13, 2002. Adolfo Junior" Zavala, President of the National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees, announced that the Hispanic Coalition and FAA employee Roberto Davila have today asked the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate allegations that the Federal Aviation Administration is denying career advancement to its mid-level professional Hispanic employees.
   Davila is an Aviation Safety Inspector at the FAAs Anchorage Alaska district office. He joined the FAA in 1987 after retiring from the Air Force as a Master Avionics Specialist. Davila has applied for more than 22 high level positions since 1998 without success. Each time I am turned down, I am given a different reason why I am not as qualified as the person selected," Davila stated.
   There are many more stories just like Bob Davilas," said Zavala. The Coalition, with a membership of 600, was formed in order to promote equal employment opportunity for Hispanics and other minorities and women who are employed by the FAA. The FAA passed over a highly qualified Hispanic employee in favor of a white male to be the liaison to the Mexican government. There is a 'glass ceiling at the FAA that is keeping Hispanic
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employees from advancing in their careers," Zavala said.
   In October 2000, former President Clinton issued an Executive Order, which was reaffirmed by President George Bush, acknowledging that the Federal government is well behind the private sector in employment of Hispanics. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management reports that there are half as many Hispanics in federal agencies as in the civilian workforce. The order requires federal agencies to ensure that more Hispanics are included in management, leadership, and career development programs.
   But says Zavala, They have a nine point plan here and a five point plan there, but what is the point if Hispanics are still not getting promoted?" Davilas complaint alleges that he watched as other employees got temporary promotions and desirable training opportunities which management then used to justify their promotions.    Davila notes, My family of eight had a hard time for many years, and it was tough growing up. I want to see our organization become what America looks like."
   Elizabeth L. Newman of the Washington law firm of Kalijarvi, Chuzi & Newman, who is representing Davila with support from the Hispanic Coalition, is asking the E.E.O.C. to certify the case as a class action. If the request is granted, all mid-level professional Hispanic employees of the FAA will be able to come forward and demonstrate to the E.E.O.C. that they have been denied career advancement. Newman says that a decision on whether the class action may proceed is not expected until later this year