Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced that it will light up in honour and support of its LGBTQ employees, communities and issues. The global automaker’s 960-square-foot glass Pentastar on top of its 15-story tower will light up in purple between the 11th and 25th October in observance of LGBTQ history, National Coming Out Day and National Spirit Day.
As part of the tribute, FCA will fly a rainbow flag outside of its Auburn Hills, Michigan complex and many of its US manufacturing facilities. It also plans to conduct a series of programmes for staff that include tributes to current and historical LGBTQ figures.
The month-long observance builds on the company’s long-standing support of LGBTQ employees communities and issues, said the automaker. For example, it recently expanded its award-winning supplier diversity programme to include certified LGBTQ-owned businesses.
DIVERSITY COMMITMENT
“FCA is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive business environment in which all people and ideas are welcomed, appreciated and respected,” stated Mark Chernoby, Chief Technical Compliance Officer of FCA NV. He is also Head of Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance, FCA – North America, and Executive Sponsor of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA) Business Resource Group at FCA. “Our diverse business culture represents different people and ideas that engage collaboratively to create brands and products that make us attractive in the marketplace, and support and sustain our success,” added Chernoby.
National Coming Out Day is observed internationally on 11 October to celebrate coming out and to raise awareness of the LGBTQ community, and the LGBTQ civil rights movement. The day commemorates the anniversary of the 1987 National March in Washington for lesbian and gay rights. It’s also aligned with the company’s efforts to promote diversity and respect in the workplace. National Spirit Day is an annual LGBTQ awareness day to promote LGBTQ youth and honour LGBTQ victims of suicide. It usually takes place on the third Thursday in October.
“On behalf of the members of GALA at FCA, we are proud to work for a company that shows us so much support and respect,” commented Greg Hawkins, Chair of GALA. “Because of this support, we work in a culture that allows any employee to be as out and honest about their lives as possible.”
BUSINESS RESOURCE GROUPS
As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, FCA supports 10 business resource groups (BRGs). Their objectives include promoting a positive awareness of diverse people and issues within the company, ensuring that its products meet the expectations of diverse customers.
FCA BRGs represent a range of affinity communities. They include African ancestry, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, women, Middle Eastern, disability, veteran, working parents and LGBTQ groups. These employee-directed groups work to foster greater multi-cultural understanding among employees, career development of members and engagement with diverse communities, added the automaker.
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