Ram has hired external investigators to determine the origin of a noose discovered at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan. This noose, discovered in late February, marks the second racist incident at the facility since late 2017, according to reports from Bloomberg. The occurrences coincide with a significant rise in the plant’s workforce, which grew from 3,000 to 7,000 workers.
This incident follows a series of racially charged events at plants owned by Ford and General Motors, highlighting racism as a pressing concern for both manufacturers and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. Recently, the UAW held a conference in Detroit, prioritizing an initiative against xenophobia. They passed a resolution addressing the increase in attacks targeting individuals based on race, gender, immigration status, or religious beliefs, emphasizing the need for a strong response.
After the discovery of the noose between 1 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on February 22, an anonymous post appeared on the UAW Local 1700 Facebook page stating: “We must speak up and speak out when we are aware of heinous discriminatory acts being committed by co-workers. Fear-mongering through race-based attacks and antics should not and will NOT BE TOLERATED AT SHAP [Sterling Heights Assembly Plant].”
Both Ram and its parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), have strongly condemned the racist actions of the unidentified individual(s) responsible for the noose. FCA released a public statement distancing itself from the incident, asserting that there is no connection between the noose and the company’s values.
“The incident at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in February was the subject of an exhaustive investigation conducted by external investigators. Although we have not identified the individual responsible, they will be terminated if identified. FCA is committed to ongoing training that emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion,” the statement read.
This incident is reminiscent of a troubling event at FCA’s Toledo, Ohio plant in 2018. According to the Toledo Blade, a subcontractor was dismissed after images of a noose began circulating on social media, with several individuals confirming that the photo was taken near the plant’s paint shop.
Additionally, the Detroit Free Press reported in February that General Motors is offering a $25,000 reward for information related to racist graffiti and nooses found at its Toledo Powertrain and Fabrications plant..
