The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed lawsuits against General Motors (GM), the United Auto Workers (UAW), and Stellantis’ FCA US unit, alleging age discrimination and sexual harassment.
The EEOC accuses GM and the UAW of enforcing a benefits policy since 2019 that reduces payouts to employees aged 66 and older who also receive Social Security benefits. The policy, which impacts workers at over 50 GM facilities nationwide, allegedly violates the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The lawsuit, filed in Indiana federal court, seeks to recover unpaid benefits and to halt discriminatory practices.
In a separate case, Stellantis’ FCA unit is accused of tolerating pervasive sexual harassment at its Detroit Assembly Complex since 2020. Female employees allegedly faced inappropriate touching and sexually charged comments from male supervisors and co-workers. The EEOC claims the company failed to adequately address complaints, creating a hostile work environment that forced at least one woman to resign. Filed in Michigan federal court, the lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as workplace reforms.
EEOC officials emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights. “Employers cannot normalize offensive sex-based misconduct,” said EEOC Trial Attorney Karen Brooks.
These lawsuits come amid a wave of enforcement actions in the final days of the Biden administration. The EEOC encourages affected employees and witnesses to come forward.
