AskPatty's President and CEO Jody DeVere recently sent me a link to an article she had found at Newsweek magazine. Titled "More Than A Tune-Up,"
the 1997 article described occurrences of sexual harassment at a
Mitsubishi plant which helped launch detailed training programs and
management reforms that ultimately made this company's policies on
sexual harassment far more stringent than those of most Fortune 500
companies.
Background: In 1997, As a result of two harassment
lawsuits filed on behalf of women workers, Mitsubishi paid more than $9
million to 27 women. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission, between 1988 and 1993 Mitsubishi had tolerated terrifying
examples of sexual harassment by hundreds of male employees who
allegedly used air guns to shoot painful blasts at women's chests and
crotches, grabbed women by their breasts, simulated masturbation, or
even exposed themselves. The EEOC said the company had "discouraged
complaints and permitted retaliation against women who dared to
complain."
The company did not deny that serious harassment occurred, and in the
years after the suits were filed, made great efforts to transform
itself into the kind of workplace where such things don't occur.
Mitsubishi hired Lynn Martin, former labor secretary to George Bush,
who did more than just review the company's harassment policies; her
team also created a regime of sexual harassment and supervisory
training and implemented an ambitious plan for a host of
worker-friendly changes.
Ten years later, the Newsweek article is still a fascinating case-study
on what it can take to change opinions on sexual harassment and
stereotypes in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by
men. Here at AskPatty, we strive to educate people on what it means to
be Female Friendly. An Ask Patty female friendly certified dealer is
a dealer that creates a safe and comfortable environment where women
feel welcome and is a dealer that makes the experience of purchasing
and maintaining her vehicle a pleasant one. Ask Patty trained and
certified dealers are held to a high level of customer satisfaction for
women consumers. Female friendly is not just a catchphrase; it's our
way of life.
So what's it like nowadays for women in the automotive industry? I
asked all the women bloggers on our staff to share their opinions on
this article and reflect on different aspects of this from each of our
own varied backgrounds.
I
asked each of our writers to compose a meaningful response discussing
the topic of what it's like living as a woman in a male-dominated
business. We agreed that each woman's post did not have to specifically
address harassment, but just the challenges each of us may have
encountered or observed during our careers.
Each day this week, AskPatty.com
will be presenting a different writer's perspective article on this
topic , and I hope our readers will come back to read each day's
installment. Jody DeVere will share her thoughts on the changing
attitudes of women working in the auto biz, I will discuss what it's
been like as a cargirl in the automotive publishing world, Linda
Przygodski will discuss what it has been like as a woman working in
sports, and Becky Scott will share her own challenges choosing between
career and motherhood.
Much has changed in the decade since
this Newsweek article was originally published. And we sincerely hope
you will share some of your own thoughts and opinions as the week
progresses.
Thank you so much for making AskPatty.com your safe place to come and learn about cars. We're so glad we can be here for you!
By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty Editor
ask patty female friendly certified dealer
