2 comments for GM Fastlane Blog

1. GM is Blogging

   Rick E. Bruner’s Business Blog Consulting: GM Fastlane Blog Rick Bruner noticed a high powered blog: Ka-boom! This is a biggie in the world of business blogs. Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman of General Motors, is the blogger. Whoa….

   Trackback by Fast Cars — February 21, 2005 @ 12:08 pm

   
   

2. General Motors Canada & Barnes Wheaton Pontiac Buick GMC Racist Policy May Go To Court

   As a former employee of Barnes Wheaton GM in Surrey BC I was disturbed when I was informed of the company policy regarding potential car buyers of colour. As a white sales and leasing rep, I was not allowed to deal with persons of colour who came to the lot. There are two East Indian sales reps who are to deal with these customers exclusively, based on race. When a customer of colour spoke to me I was to push them to a coloured sales rep and not deal with them. I mentioned my objection on this policy to the General Manager and others but was not able to have the policy changed. I felt that it was racist and demeaning to both the customers and all sales reps. I was informed that it was a policy implimented by owners and management and that was “just the way it is”. I resigned from the company due to the fact that I felt it to be stressfull and disturbing to work in an environment which facilitated and encouraged such a racist attitude. After resigning, I have approached the attorney generals office in addition to my own legal council whom I meet with on Monday as a method of having General Motors and Barnes Wheaton GM to eliminate this type of behaviour. I plan to take this case to the fullest extent as I feel that this type of corporate attitude is not acceptable. We are all Canadians and as such should be able to work together without fear of being treated in such a way. Multiculturalism is one of the things that make Canada the great country it is. A vast array of cultures, beliefs, lifestyles and the freedom to make choices on our own. As a former bus driver, I would never sit at the back of the bus and be damned if I would force someone else to. This is 2005 not 1905 and we are all share a common goal, to make Canada the best place in the world to live, work and visit. When a customer approaches me to buy a car or just to ask questions, I want to help them get the answers they want or to sell them a car if it is what they want. I do not want to push them towards someone else and have them think that the “white guy” did not want to deal with me. I will name both Barnes Wheaton GM and General Motors of Canada in any and all actions. If this type of policy is allowed at one ealership, I would like to know how many other dealerships in this country have similar policies.

   James Miller
   Director
   End Youth Violence
   (604) 588-7271
   james@youthandviolence.com

   Comment by James Miller — April 15, 2005 @ 1:54 pm

   
   

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