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"Working Together" Works
At Continental, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset. With over 45,000 employees around the world, we know the rich diversity of ideas, experiences, cultures, and lifestyles that make up the Continental team allows us to consistently deliver great service and products to our global customers. Continental endeavors to create a work environment where all employees feel included and empowered to make a measurable difference in our success.
Our Philosophy
Continental believes that everyone deserves to work in an environment where respect for the individual is encouraged and safeguarded. Each employee is responsible for creating and maintaining a professional atmosphere where every individual is valued and treated with dignity and respect. By Working Together and promoting dignity and respect, Continental strives to create an inclusive work environment.
Programs
In support of our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we have the following programs:
- Continental Airlines Diversity Council
- Supplier Diversity Program
- Diversity Training
- Diversity Awareness Events
Continental Airlines Diversity Council
Continental Airlines' Diversity Council is made up of senior management leaders committed to act as champions for diversity of the company's workforce. The Council supports efforts to recruit a diverse workforce and promote an inclusive work environment — fundamental elements of Continental's "Working Together" corporate goal.
Supplier Diversity Program
Continental actively seeks minority vendors and suppliers. Our Supplier Diversity Training program communicates to employees with buying responsibilities the importance of having diverse suppliers and the airline's responsibility in sourcing small, diverse suppliers. Several hundred co-workers have received online supplier diversity training.
Continental's supplier diversity advisory council ensures that the airline continues to recognize the importance of buying from diverse suppliers.
A participating member of the Houston Minority Business Council, Continental sponsors the Council's Expo Business Marketplace and several other HMBC events, and attends the National Minority Supplier Development Council annual conference.
For more information about Continental's Supplier Diversity Program, please visit: Supplier Diversity Program
Diversity Training
- Diversity & Inclusion Training: "Creating a Winning Environment"
- Anti-Harassment Training: "Doing Your Part"
Diversity Awareness Events
Since September 2002, the Continental Management Association (CMA), a voluntary association of Continental managers, has sponsored annual Diversity Awareness Events for employees.
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women's Leadership/ Women Heritage Month
- May: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- June: Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
- September: Hispanic Heritage Month
- October: Diversity Awareness Month
- November: Native American Heritage Month
The CMA also sponsors conversational foreign language classes for employees.
Diversity in Employment
Minorities account for 42% of Continental's domestic workforce — a greater percentage than that found in the general U.S. population. The domestic workforce is 46% female.
Continental Airlines' active domestic workforce (as of July 2, 2008):
- African Americans 17%
- Hispanics 18%
- Asian Americans 7%
Minorities and women occupy numerous management positions at Continental. To aid in identifying qualified candidates for management positions, Continental has sponsored the Black MBAs and the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. The Continental recruiting team works closely with the Organization of Black Airline Pilots and Women in Aviation when sourcing pilots and posts job vacancies on diversity websites.
Board of Directors:
Oscar Muñoz, executive vice president and chief financial officer of CSX Corporation, elected to board of directors in April 2004; also serves on audit committee
Community Involvement
Continental is closely involved with the communities it serves. The airline is the proud sponsor of a wide range of organizations which support those communities including The March of Dimes, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, United Cerebral Palsy, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, the National Hispana Leadership Institute, Dress for Success, and the Make a Wish Foundation. Continental also sponsors numerous visual and performing arts programs and educational programs, and is actively involved with local chambers of commerce and consulates.
Continental is the Official Airline for the United Black Fund, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the Asia Society of Texas, the National Association of Hispanic Publications and the March of Dimes National Ambassador Program just to name a just a few.
With 286 destinations worldwide, Continental recognizes the importance of delivering services that take into account the diversity of its customers. Continental allows passengers to choose to conduct business on its website in the language they are most comfortable be it English, Spanish, Chinese, French or Japanese. Because, Continental is a global airline, it strives to provide information, onboard entertainment, and food and beverage choices that take into account the language and cultural preferences of its passengers.
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