McClure believes that individuals who have paid their debt to society should have the chance to seek employment so they can become upstanding citizens and productive members of their communities. Having a job reduces recidivism and makes neighborhoods safer.
The new policy became effective on April 27, 2018. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, and over 150 cities and counties have adopted a ban-the-box or fair-chance policy. In most of hese communities, questions about prior convictions are deferred until later in the hiring process.
This practice has been extended to private employers in 11 states and 17 cities and counties.
" questions about prior convictions are deferred until later in the hiring process."
ReplyDeleteSo it really don't matter if you're a felon at the beginning of the process or later. You'll be identified as such before being being hired, versus another applicant who has managed not to be convicted of a crime in their life.
He really is far out this one. Ultra-liberal, not this area. Did he even discuss with his county council or just do this.
ReplyDeleteHe did not seek Council's approval, nor does he need to do so. They have no role in these matters.
ReplyDeleteWhat Lamont did is being done throughout the country.
Sure we want to waste our taxpayer's money on wasted time and an interview on someone with a criminal background setting a basis for a lawsuit. Setting a stage to get criminals a job. McClown should go executive in California.
ReplyDelete2:24, I have not spoken to McClure, and should. I am still used to an Exec who ignores calls. The way I read it, the County will not check prior convictions for any employees except for certain classes in which the law mandates it or good sense requires it. This means the prior record of nearly every employee will be known before he or she is hired. But the question will not be on the initial application.
ReplyDelete"McClown should go executive in California."
ReplyDeleteBan the box exists in Pa for state jobs. It was also adopted in Allentown, Bethlehem and Lehigh County. Not sure if Easton has it.
Just plain dumb. How does this not waste the time of human resources? Tell us how this benefits the taxpayers? So don't ask don't tell and if you skip by it's ok till you REPEAT offend and placed in a job you knew you should not have been in with the liberals excuse they didn't ask on the application.
ReplyDeleteHe just ignores council. Sounds like Brown. So if you like a guy he can do what he wants. If there are any repercussions from this I guess he won't have to get money from the council either. They can tell him they have no role in these matters.
ReplyDeleteOnly a fool would hire people without checking this box. Political correctness run amuck.
ReplyDeleteI’ve hired formerly convicted criminals. It’s important to understand their criminal history and make decisions upon the basis of all information. Some convicted criminals make wonderful employees. Many are very bad news. It’s important to have an open discussion to determine which type you are getting. Banning the box is not a good idea.
ReplyDeleteIt's about time Mr. Mcclure You are a great exec...someone who actually wants to give people a chance to better themselves...I applaude You in Your endeavors...GOOD LUCK!! in all You do...Ignore the ignorant!!
ReplyDeleteYes until it effects your family then you sing a new tune
DeleteThe flaw in your own words "or good sense requires it.
ReplyDeleteEd Pawlowski can now apply for a job in Northampton County
ReplyDeleteIt really don't matter if this box is on the application form or not. When the employer runs a background check on the applicant, if they have a criminal record it will turn up in that.
ReplyDelete"He just ignores council. Sounds like Brown. So if you like a guy he can do what he wants. If there are any repercussions from this I guess he won't have to get money from the council either. They can tell him they have no role in these matters."
ReplyDeleteCouncil is the governing body and has power of the purse and the ability to fund or not fund programs. It is not the executive. Brown ignored provisions in the Admin Code that are a check on his power. McClure has followed the Code.
This should have been done as an ordinance, not a policy. That is how it is in Philly and Allentown. It will likely not apply to Corrections, 911, and the Sheriffs Dept due to CJIS and NCIC requirements and automatic disqualifications. For everyone else it just removes the question (traditionally) until after the first in person interview. It will likely have no material impact because with Career Service only the qualified applicants are sent to the hiring manager so they eat no more than three at any given time and should focus on the candidates experience and qualifications rather than if they marked one box yes on the application. Additionally, in this day and age you cannot automatically disqualify a candidate due to criminal history (law enforcement excluded) because it would disproportionately disqualify minority candidates. An individual test based on criminal history is required by the EEOC and the conviction must materially relate to the job the person is doing. This adds a slight administrative burden to HR as part of the hiring process but banning the box does not mean criminals in any way will be hired. It may actually provide a more robust pool of candidates for certain jobs, specifically, those who have had misdemeanors many years ago but are still afraid if they disclose it they will be disqualified.
ReplyDeleteAdd the appropriate fee to the candidate's employment application and run a criminal background check.
ReplyDeleteThe executive has proven he does not have a clue or McClueless- Any organization that does anything because that is what others are doing shows lack of knowledge and leadership. Bring Fed Ed to Northampton County and give him a position.
ReplyDeleteLet Mr. McClure give people a chance on his own dime not mine. Hire a criminal to work at HIS home around HIS family not around mine nor use my tax money. There are alot of good people looking for jobs that are not thiefs, druggies, drunks nor flawed people.
ReplyDelete2:11, Based on your spelling and grammar, I'd say you are one of those "flawed people."
ReplyDelete1:27, Thank you for your insight. I honestly do not think an ordinance is necessary. I do think this is entirely within the Exec domain.
ReplyDeleteThere re alot of good people looking for jobs that are not thiefs, druggies, drunks nor flawed people
ReplyDeleteThe whole thing reminds me of the characterization Jean Valjean in 'Les Misérables"-- Once a thief always a thief. A bunch of people should familiarize themselves with the book or musical. People deserve a chance to redeem themselves.
This issue is more noise than substance. Former criminals are easily identified in routine background checks and avoided. Businesses ban the box because it gives a good appearance. Politicians do it for the same reasons. It adds cost and time to the process, but is worth it because it neutralizes whiners and wins some votes. Most people don't want to hire former lawbreakers. And they don't.
ReplyDeleteWhat ever happened to looking for the best and the brightest. Trouble is a very large number of people cannot pass a drug test. I know several people who hire for corporate positions. Most of these jobs are entry level and it is hard to find people who do not have a drug problem. So, is it in the best interest of the taxpayers to hire people with problems, are all government jobs becoming social service organizations. I think there needs to be more random drug testing in all government jobs, including teachers and congress.
ReplyDeleteThe way I look at this ,somebody want to pUt people that had NO legal issues IN ThE SAME LiNE with people wh choose to be derilicts earlier. I’m not against a person that “had a problem “ earlier in life and is now reformed .problem is boagasness is heriditory, it’s in the DNA . Although some cops may be an acception You can’t have been a choirboy ,and be a good cop. You have had to been around the block somewhat and had got away with shit younger and not caught. I was caught in effect ,having been in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Oh ya we were real good guys then . So I say this new hiring demeanor is as result of some left wing ,leaf over . Want good employees,demand a LTCF or CfP and the government will Check you prospect at a greater perspective than you can by law.
ReplyDeleteO’Hare has a soft spot for criminals. I guess when you are one you support others. Too bad they don’t ban the box at law firms, you would be able to apply for a job as a janitor at one!
ReplyDeleteMore far left lunacy. Heaven help Northampton County.
ReplyDeleteThis was just stupid. McClure is already toast in four years. He will probably take all the dems with him.
ReplyDeletePeople say is actually worse than Brown on hiding things from council and doing whatever he wants.
ReplyDelete