GM Plus Wins Out and Equal Award

American manufacturer General Motors’ GM Plus (People Like US) has recently been awarded with the 2009 Out & Equal Workplace Award for Employee Resource Group (ERG) of the Year. The award has been given to the new GM by the Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, a national organization supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality in the workplace during its summit held the past weekend in Orlando, Florida.

“GM is honored to be the first automaker recognized by Out & Equal with its Outie Award for LGBT Employee Resource Group of the Year,” said Adam Bernard, chairman of GM PLUS, in a statement for the press after receiving the award. “This is a tremendous testament of GM's dedication to workplace diversity, justice and equality,” he added.

During the event, GM presented a video with the most important moments from the GM Plus campaign and a personal message from GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz.

Moreover, GM Plus Board Member Tina Seitz was one of the finalists for the Trailblazer Award, which is given to an LGBT person who has made a significant contribution to promote workplace equality by improving their own workplace or contributing to equality nationally.

“It is our diverse workforce that connects us to the global marketplace,” continued Karen DeCuir-DiNicola, manager, GM diversity initiatives. “Their talent and ideas drive innovation and enhance our ability to compete in the world economy now and in the future. We are honored to receive t his award that recognizes our success in advocating for LGBT equal rights in the GM workplace,” she concluded.

General Motors’ LGBT group, namely the GM Plus, has been conducting active campaigns to promote equal treatment and safe working conditions for about sixteen years already. Their efforts led to a strong affinity group that now has more than 200 members.