Toyota, GM issue statements vs. racism amid US protests

MANILA: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the world are watching, some even participating, in the expression of disgust and anger at the death of African-American George Floyd in the custody of policemen in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This generally peaceful revolution has turned violent and destructive at times but what’s for certain is it continues to grow bigger by the day. From regular people to celebrities, many have spoken out and that has not gone unnoticed by automotive industry stakeholders as Toyota and General Motors (GM) Chairman and CEO Mary Barra both release separate statements today.

Toyota affirms its commitment to “making the workplace, marketplace, society, and the world a better place for all.” The automaker specifically points out incidents of injustice and racism in Minnesota, Kentucky, and Georgia and expressed deep sympathy for family members and friend who were deeply affected.

“Respect for People” is Toyota’s basic tenet and it vows to “remain steadfast in our belief for equality, respect and inclusivity for all people.” The statement ends with “Our message to those who are hurting is:  We see you. We hear you. And, we stand with you and for you.”

Mary Barra condemned intolerance, injustice, and also declared that GM will be inclusive. She urged GM employees to speak out because they will be heard and promised to root out racism, bigotry, discrimination and any other form of named or unnamed hatred from the company.

"Today, I am committing to you — as I did to the GM team — that we will no longer allow our Company the indulgence of asking, 'why?' Today, I am committing that we as a company will focus on “what.” What will we do? Like all of the leaders here today, we want to be part of meaningful, deliberate change. We will not allow ourselves the passivity of urging others to act. We will act,” said Barra.

Powerful statements and expressions of oneness that will go a long way in uniting not just each company’s employees, but the racial divide that is hurting the USA right now.

Cover photo courtesy of Lorie Shaull, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 

In-article photo courtesy of General Motors