I would like to reiterate Solutia's firm commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity. We cannot be successful without engaging the full potential of our people. To do this we must be committed to our enterprise values of people development and honoring differences. These values are critical to creating the kind of workplace environment where individuals want to work, contribute, and grow.
I view Equal Employment Opportunity as a major commitment and business goal that will help in creating that culture. Accordingly, we will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, genetic testing or sexual orientation, except where this is a bona fide occupational qualification. We will make employment decisions which further the principles of equal employment opportunity. Our promotional decisions will be consistent with the principles of equal employment opportunity by imposing only valid requirements for those opportunities. In addition, our human resources programs such as compensation, transfers, layoffs, training, education, and social and recreational activities will continue to be administered in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity. Benefits will continue to be provided in accordance with our summary plan descriptions and applicable national and state laws.
As Chief Executive, I have primary responsibility for the success of our Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity programs. However, it is also the responsibility of all levels of management to follow this policy, including the successful implementation of our Affirmative Action Plans.
Paul J. Berra, III, Senior Vice President, Legal and Governmental Affairs and General Counsel will have the overall responsibility for the administration, implementation, and monitoring of this policy. Day-to-day coordination of the responsibilities for implementing our Affirmative Action Programs will be handled and communicated at each site.
I expect each of you to join in this Company-wide policy commitment, not only to support the principles of equal employment opportunity, but also to further our broader efforts to cultivate and maintain a diverse organization which attracts, respects, and utilizes the talents of the most capable people available in the global market.
Jeffry N. Quinn
Chairman, President and CEO
Solutia Inc.
October 19, 2009
