It really comes as no surprise for me to learn of that kind of GM management’s reaction to workers’ attempts to reveal the issues that troubles them! We have experienced enough of this in Russia’ Togliatti GM-AvtoVAZ plant.
This reaction speaks volumes of the real attitude of GM to workers’ participation in solving workplace issues: the less the better, but best of all – no voice at all!

I thought only our management was this way, but it appears this attitude is rooted deeply in the corporate culture. I hope this is not the way all management feel, but the reality now is often that behind the sweet talk and propaganda all the traits of totalitarian regime are manifested.

Intolerance to criticism or even independent expression of opinion is very clear sign of totalitarism (we in Russia know this very well). Yet, despite GM being western company I was surprised how well its corporate culture blends with and takes advantage of what I thought was rudiments of Stalinist era! Same lack of even basic democracy covered by appearance of it, same looking (not only looking) up to the boss, oppression of all (to say the truce even the possibility of such was unthinkable until lately) attempts to disagree with boss or question the company’s policies, same ruthlessness to “dissidents”!

When we started to organize the independent union we heard from many people that they were told unions were illegal at GM! We then experienced intimidation, lies, ostracisms, even sacking, but we know that what we are doing is right and keep doing it.

Yes, it it clear that the company is concerned with their public image and prefers that inconvenient issues not go out the company gate. But the way to good image surely is responsible attempts to solve the real problems and not trying to keep people shut up under the threat of firing and reprisals! The company or maybe some managers think they can control everything, but they really can not. They cannot control people’s desire for democracy, they can not control the freedom of speech in the age of Internet! This blog is another proof of this profound truth, and it is time for management to understand it in their own best interest!

P.S. I am not going to hide, if anyone of management wishes to disagree with me and reassure me that I am wrong, they can contact me at workpower@avtograd.ru
After all this is an open discussion that does not discriminate management, neither should be workers discriminated for the use of it!

Well, it wouldn't be the first time someone has been fired (or threaten of) because of a blog.

In 2004 already, a flight attendant has been fired because of her blog (queen of sky ). Not sure the result of the trial (still no final judgment I think).

Anyway, I'm wondering if your blog can be considered as a trade union activity. In that case, it should be protected and legal in Europe, isn't it ?

I hope no one will loose his job because of their activity in your trade union.

Good luck !

When will it be enough with this management by fear?
It is frightening to learn that parts of GM management are prepared to harass GM employees, who only wants to makes their voices heard. What happened to the respect for human rights?
I trust that the top management will show that this sort of behavior is not acceptable.

I hope that this blog will grow to be a powerful instrument for us, the workers in GM, in our daily strugle with GM management.

This is extremely shocking to discover that the freedom of expression is a right that seems to be ignored by some people in the management of GM. No matter how powerful this company is, this behaviour is unacceptable and should reinforce the protests and the determination of workers around the globe to use blogs to defend their basic rights.

I would also appreciate a response from the GM management, as how they can justify such an outrageous position and lack of respect?

At the same time, this shows that internet and speaking out is scary enough to make them react so strongly!

Well done to all that are involved in this blog!