BREMERTON, Wash. –
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility launched a new employee-sponsored pledge campaign, C.A.R.E., during a lunchtime kickoff event Wednesday, Nov. 20.
C.A.R.E, which stands for character, action, respect and engagement, involves employees voluntarily signing a pledge to respect all individuals and to take action if they see or hear harassment or discrimination. Those who signed the pledge received a C.A.R.E. sticker that is authorized for wear on their hardhat.
Employees also had the opportunity to sign posters that will be hung at various locations around the command.
Several thousand employees signed the pledge during the event, held at eight locations throughout the shipyard. The idea for the pledge came from an employee suggestion to the command’s recently formed Command Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Team.
Jim Sutcliffe, a member of the team, expressed satisfaction over the workforce’s enthusiasm to support the pledge.
“We had a lot of people who made it to all eight tables,” said Sutcliffe. “To see this evolve from concept to fruition is amazing and makes me proud to work here.”
The C.A.R.E. pledge is one of several recent efforts at the shipyard to ensure every employee is treated with dignity and respect. Others include the establishment of an anonymous hotline and email address for employees to report harassment or discrimination, improvements to the investigative process and signing a joint pledge with local unions.
PSNS & IMF Commander Dianna Wolfson offered her support of the pledge as she met with employees during the event.
“This pledge and sticker are a great way for us to show our support of this initiative,” said Wolfson. “I am proud to see the passion the team showed in putting this event together to ensure that our shipyard is a place where everyone can achieve their full potential.”
The campaign will continue over the next several weeks as the Command Anti-Harrassment and Discrimination team host more events aimed at raising awareness of the pledge for employees.