What type of employees does an affirmative action program specifically apply to?

An affirmative action program specifically applies to federal contractors and their workforce. This is because affirmative action initiatives are designed to promote equal employment opportunities and address historical discrimination faced by various groups. Federal contractors are legally required to implement such programs as a condition of receiving federal funding or contracts, ensuring that they actively seek to employ and promote individuals from target groups, including women and minorities.

The objective of these programs is to create an equitable work environment and increase diversity within the organization by focusing on recruitment, hiring, training, and advancement practices that might otherwise disadvantage certain groups. Consequently, while other employees may benefit from the efforts of these programs, the specific legal obligations and requirements around affirmative action are tied to organizations that contract with the federal government.