BNSF named “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” for second straight year
July 16 2024 - 12:15PM
Business Wire
BNSF Railway, one of the largest freight railroad networks in
North America, was honored this week for receiving a top score of
100 on the Disability Equality Index for 2024. The award recognizes
the company as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” for
the second year in a row.
“This recognition solidifies our efforts toward becoming a more
inclusive and diverse place to work,” said Dustin Almaguer, vice
president of compliance and audit, who is also the executive
sponsor of BNSF’s Disability Inclusion Alliance (DIA) business
resource group. “We are committed to building upon our progress, so
our railroad continues to be a leader in fostering a trusted
environment where everyone feels included and valued for who they
uniquely are.”
Created in 2015, the Disability Equality Index was created to
encourage employers to advance best practices within the workplace
that promote and encourage disability inclusion and equality, as
well as broader social issues.
The Disability Equality Index was launched by Disability:IN and
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is
acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion
assessment tool in business. Now in its 10th year, it helps
businesses make a positive impact on the
unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities.
BNSF was scored by the Disability Equality Index in categories
such as:
- Culture & leadership
- Enterprise-wide access
- Employment practices (benefits, recruitment, employment,
education, retention and advancement, accommodations)
- Community engagement
- Supplier diversity
- Responsible procurement
“We’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international
companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress
toward disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to
follow,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN.
“Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only
attracts top talent, but also drives innovation and creates
sustainable performance in today’s global market.”
About BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight
transportation companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route
miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is
one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and
agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such
as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food, and beverages.
BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American
homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have
developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient
railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the
value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we
provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can
learn more about BNSF at BNSF Railway.
About the Disability Equality Index
The Disability Equality Index is the world’s most comprehensive
benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure
disability workplace inclusion inside their organization and to
assess performance across industry sectors. Launched in 2015 as a
joint initiative of Disability:IN and The American Association of
People with Disabilities (AAPD), it’s acknowledged today as the
most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. Learn
more at http://www.disabilityequalityindex.org.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716770802/en/
Kendall Kirkham Sloan Director of External Communications
Media@BNSF.com