Alcoa celebrates Global Pride Week

Alcoa’s commitment to an inclusive and diverse workplace has been further strengthened with the celebration of Global Pride Week at all locations including Australia, Brazil, Europe and North America.

For close to a decade the company has been promoting the rights of LGBT+ employees through their inclusion network - EAGLE (Employees at Alcoa for Gay and Lesbian Equality) with a key focus on awareness and education through training, events and inclusive recruitment policies and practices.

The team from Alcoa’s Pinjarra Alumina Refinery really got into the spirit of the company’s Global Pride Week transforming the site’s crosswalks with a kaleidoscope of colour.

The introduction of coordinated global events has further demonstrated the Alcoa’s commitment to supporting its LGBT+ workforce.

Mark Hodgson, Pinjarra Alumina Refinery Manager and EAGLE Australian Lead, said he was greatly encouraged by the level of take up of Pride Week activities.

“We know that supporting LGBT+ employees is simply the right thing to do and it’s fantastic to see the level of enthusiasm and creativity the sites have shown in celebrating Global Pride Week from morning teas, awareness sessions, flag raising and even painting the crosswalks,” Mr Hodgson said.

At the recent Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) LGBT+ Inclusion Awards Alcoa has secured Bronze Tier Employer Status in its eighth year of participation.

Workplaces are judged on a range of criteria including inclusive policies and practices, executive engagement, inclusive facilities and services, employee networks and external visibility.

“We are really proud that our efforts to build a more inclusive workplace over close to a decade have once again been acknowledged by the AWEI.

This recognition showcases our commitment to LGBT+ inclusion and diversity with our ultimate aim being for every Alcoa employee to bring their ‘whole selves’ to work and to feel included and valued for who they are,” Mr Hodgson said.