Chrysler Protested for Anti-Gay Bias

By Jennifer Maerz, deleted. Posted April 26, 2000.

Spurring a protest complete with picketing, linked informational Web sites and a national day of protest, Chrysler refused to include the words "sexual orientation" in the Equal Application of Agreement section of their recent contract with the United Auto Workers (UAW). This refusal has frustrated and angered many proponents of equal rights, who say it symbolizes the deaf ear Chrysler turns towards its gay, lesbian and transgendered employees.But the Campaign for Equal Rights at Chrysler, a coalition headed by Chrysler electrician/UAW constitutional convention delegate Ron Woods, is planning to make its opposition heard. Ongoing picketing already is in place in Auburn Hills, Mich. Since Sept. 9, for six hours a day, five days a week, people picket Chrysler headquarters. On Nov. 14, additional picketing will occur at Chrysler dealerships in California, Colorado, Maryland, North Carolina and Wisconsin, and as far away as London. "I don't want to let them off the hook," said Woods, who says he has just suffered his fifth physical attack by a co-worker and is on medical leave from Chrysler. "They do nothing. I've been attacked with up to 12 witness watching and they do nothing. It's because of ignorance," he said angrily. Even though he feels his safety is in danger, he refuses to quit. "I deserve to have a good job. I don't want to quit." He hopes the Campaign will pressure Chrysler into taking action against homophobia.But the Campaign is as much about educating the public as it is about protesting Chrysler, said the Campaign's "webmaster" Maggie Heineman. The group -- which was formed in less than 10 days through the magic of the Internet and e-mail communications -- is planning on "educating" both the public and Chrysler car dealers. Chrysler is defending its actions by refuting the need for specific legal protection based on sexual orientation in their contracts. "We have made a conscious effort to not name specific individuals (in the contract), but we have not made a decision to exclude gays," said Chrysler spokesperson Lori McTavish. When questioned about the company's inclusion of other individual markers but not sexual orientation, McTavish replied, "We name race and religion but we don't name ... groups. We don't break those [categories] down." She adds that the company has a general policy for harassment already in place.The "No Special Rights" lingo used by Chrysler and by many anti-gay groups is unacceptable to the many gay, lesbian and transgendered employees and the UAW that represents them. The 1996 UAW Contract Demand Book states that the organization represents a diverse membership and rejects anyone or any company that allows discrimination. Specifically, they demand that the words "sexual orientation" be included with race, sex, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, disability and "handicap" status in a company's non-discrimination clause. Although this is UAW's policy, 73 percent of the union members voted to ratify the Chrysler contract without the clause included, said UAW member Dave Reckinger, procurement analyst for Chrysler National Services and Parts Division.The Campaign for Equal Rights at Chrysler's Heineman says the general discrimination policy is not enough protection, and is frustrated with Chrysler's policy. "If you can't name it, you're ignoring it," she said.The Campaign's founder Woods agreed with Heineman, adding, "I want an overhaul of their company," he said. "I am so disgusted and angry. No piecemeal bandaids." He said in addition to the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Equal Application of Agreement, he wants diversity training for everyone in the company. "I'm going to pressure the union to pressure Chrysler. The UAW did not respond to an interview request by press time.Other car manufacturers, such as Ford Motor Company and General Motors, are specific about their anti-discrimination policies. General Motors included the words "sexual orientation" in their Equal Employment Opportunity policy six years ago, after an incident involving disparaging remarks about gays and lesbians pushed the issue of discrimination to the forefront of debate. Ford includes in its company handbook, A Matter of Respect a commitment to "unite in one organization, regardless of religion, race ... or sexual orientation, all employees under the jurisdiction of the International Law." In one section of the book, the company explains how sexual orientation might make people feel "different," but it also aims to celebrate people's diversity by emphasizing that "if we all thought alike, looked alike, and had the same education and experience, we would quickly become bored and uninspired."Chrysler continues to drag its heels, though, refusing to change its policy, despite negative press, picketing and a letter writing campaign, say it opponents. The Campaign for Equal Rights at Chrysler hopes its national day of protest will add pressure to the company. Such situations as the one involving Chrysler employee Martha Grevatt, a tool-and-die maker at the company's Twinsburh, Ohio, plant who reported being harassed because she is a lesbian. "A horrible incident occurred about six months after the (sexual orientation-based) harassment began," wrote Grevatt for the Campaign's Web site. "Someone posted an article about gays and lesbians in Iran receiving the death penalty, including beheading. The next day a block of wood was placed on my workbench. There was a half-circle cut out of it and on it written 'place neck here.'"  The Campaign for Equal Rights at Chrysler's Web site address is http://www.critpath.org/chrysler-campaign/

Liked this story? Get top stories in your inbox each week from AlterNet! Sign up now »