GM’s approach to integrating advanced robotics and AI is presented as a means to free up the workforce for higher-skilled, craftsmanship-oriented work. Although there are concerns about potential job displacement, the company emphasizes worker empowerment and safety, which aligns moderately well with worker rights and human dignity.

GM, Nvidia partner for AI-designed plants, self-driving vehicle tech

The collaboration is noted for its emphasis on empowering GM's workforce by optimizing manufacturing processes, potentially reducing hazardous tasks and promoting greater focus on skilled craftsmanship.

General Motors and NVIDIA Collaborate on AI for Next-Generation Vehicle Experience and Manufacturing

By partnering with Nvidia to integrate cutting-edge AI applications in manufacturing and vehicle design, GM is taking a progressive step that may empower its workforce through advanced technological tools. This initiative supports innovation in the automotive sector and aligns with a forward-thinking approach to optimizing both production and safety, viewed positively from an anti-authoritarian, worker-empowering perspective.

Nvidia, GM announce deal for AI, factories and next-gen vehicles

General Motors' PAC contribution of $837,500 to federal candidates reflects a significant political contribution that can be seen as an effort to sway policy in favor of corporate interests, potentially supporting candidates whose stances may undermine democratic accountability and foster authoritarian practices. The substantial donation raises concerns over the corporate role in political financing and its implications for resisting authoritarian agendas.

General Motors PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates • OpenSecrets

The significant revolving door phenomenon, highlighted by the fact that 52 out of 73 GM lobbyists in 2023 and 55 out of 77 in 2024 previously held government roles, raises serious concerns about undue corporate influence on policy-making and the potential alignment of corporate actions with authoritarian agendas.

General Motors Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The profile documents that a large number of GM's lobbyists have government experience (52 of 73 in 2023 and 55 of 77 in 2024), illustrating the use of the revolving door tactic. This practice can lead to conflicts of interest and reinforce corporate influence in shaping public policy, thereby sustaining authoritarian-friendly practices.

General Motors Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

GM's practice of collecting and selling granular driving data without proper informed consent is a clear violation of ethical business practices. By engaging in misleading enrollment processes and prioritizing profit over consumer privacy, GM contributed to the normalization of invasive data surveillance, which can support authoritarian oversight. This behavior is condemned from an anti-fascist perspective as it undermines trust and facilitates exploitation of consumers.

GM banned from selling your driving data for five years

GM's political contributions are being scrutinized by independent trackers like the American Democracy Scorecard. The lack of clear alignment with pro-democracy spending practices raises questions about potential influence on political outcomes, suggesting a negative impact on democratic integrity.

General Motors Political Contributions Tracker

The defeat of the proposal addressing child labor risks in the EV supply chain neglects critical labor rights and human rights concerns. This decision shows a lack of commitment to protecting vulnerable workers and ensuring ethical labor practices.

GM Shareholders Vote Against Ethical Supply Chain Proposals

The decision to dismiss additional reporting measures on supplier labor practices reflects a broader reluctance to thoroughly address labor rights issues. This inaction contributes to ongoing risks of human rights violations within GM's global supply chain, potentially implicating the company in systemic labor abuses.

GM Shareholders Reject Proposal to Evaluate Child Labor Practices

Rejecting the move to provide more transparency on child labor utilization in its electric vehicle battery supply chain reveals a reluctance to improve ethical sourcing practices, which can enable ongoing exploitation within the supply chain.

GM Shareholders Reject Proposal to Evaluate Child Labor Practices

The ratification of a new contract with significant wage increases for battery cell workers demonstrates GM's commitment to fair labor practices and respect for union representation. This positive development in labor relations stands in opposition to exploitative work environments and supports the rights of workers, contributing positively against authoritarian labor suppression.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) Battery Cell Workers Secure Contract as UAW Backing of Tariffs Highlights Shaky Labor Relations

The structural economic setup of GM’s joint ventures in China, where control is often ceded to local partners, contributes to an environment where forced labor risks in the supply chain are inadequately addressed. This economic arrangement lessens accountability.

Asleep at the Wheel: Car Companies' Complicity in Forced Labor in China

GM’s acknowledgment of having limited control over its Chinese joint ventures highlights its inadequate due diligence in monitoring labor conditions and supply chain practices. This shortfall poses a significant risk of complicity in forced labor practices, undermining efforts to uphold labor rights and human rights standards.

Asleep at the Wheel: Car Companies' Complicity in Forced Labor in China

The article outlines allegations that GM, along with other major automakers, is potentially procuring aluminum that may be produced using forced labor in Xinjiang, China. This report, based on research by Human Rights Watch and other sources, points to significant lapses in supply chain ethical practices and due diligence, thereby implicating GM in systemic human rights abuses tied to forced labor. The allegations demand immediate improvements to mitigate complicity in oppressive labor practices.

GM, others may be using aluminum made with forced labor

The report indicates that GM, like other global carmakers, has failed to thoroughly map its aluminum supply chain, which is at risk of incorporating materials produced with forced labor in Xinjiang. This weak oversight undercuts ethical business practices and highlights GM's vulnerability to coercive pressures from the Chinese government, thereby contributing to potential human rights abuses.

China: Carmakers Implicated in Uyghur Forced Labor

General Motors has been highlighted by Human Rights Watch for not adequately mapping its aluminum supply chain, particularly in its Chinese joint ventures, thereby risking the incorporation of aluminum produced with forced labor from Xinjiang. The lack of transparency and insufficient due diligence reflect negatively on GM's ethical business practices and commitment to human rights.

China: Carmakers Implicated in Uyghur Forced Labor

The reported $14.42 million spent on lobbying in 2023 reflects General Motors' extensive efforts to sway political decisions, which can undermine progressive policy-making and contribute to authoritarian influences in governance. Such political contributions and lobbying activities are viewed negatively from an anti-fascist, worker- and community-centered perspective.

General Motors Issues Lobbied • OpenSecrets

The ratification of this labor deal by UAW members, despite a narrow margin at some plants, represents a progressive step in upholding worker rights and ensuring fair labor practices. The contract’s record wage increase and improved benefits underscore a commitment to supporting the working class, aligning with anti-authoritarian, pro-union values.

UAW members ratify deal with General Motors, 1st of Big 3 to conclude labor dispute

The union ratification at GM represents a clear win for worker rights, ensuring improved wages and job protections. This positive labor relations development supports anti-authoritarian values by empowering workers against exploitative practices and promoting equitable treatment.

GM Workers Ratify Union Deal - SHRM

The ratification of the UAW deal by GM workers, which features significant wage increases and measures to secure future jobs, represents a strong positive development for labor rights. This event demonstrates a commitment to improving workers’ well-being, aligning with anti-authoritarian and pro-worker practices.

GM union workers ratify UAW deal following contentious vote

The ratification of the labor deal, even with a narrow margin, marks a significant win for workers as it provides immediate wage increases, potential long-term financial gains, and improved job security. This outcome supports labor rights and mitigates the risk of strikes, aligning with progressive values that resist authoritarian cost-cutting and worker exploitation.

GM rank and file ratify labor deal, ending threat of a renewed strike - CNN

The ratified deal marks a significant step in upholding worker rights at GM. Despite internal division among workers, the agreement improves wages and benefits and ensures stronger job security, reflecting a commitment to fair labor practices which is a positive development from an anti-authoritarian and worker empowerment perspective.

GM rank and file ratify labor deal, ending threat of a renewed strike

The agreement with the UAW provides a 25% wage increase over four and a half years, eliminates the two-tier wage system for many workers, and extends collective bargaining to additional GM subsidiaries. These measures support enhanced labor rights and fairer treatment, directly challenging the destabilizing corporate practices that can aid authoritarian regimes. By strengthening worker protections and union power, GM’s actions in this instance contribute positively toward resisting fascism and promoting democratic labor practices.

UAW ends historic strike after reaching tentative deals with Big 3 automakers

The tentative agreement with the UAW represents a progressive move that supports worker rights and improves labor conditions. Resolving a prolonged strike not only underscores GM’s commitment to fair labor practices but also bolsters the union’s power and safeguards marginalized workers from exploitation. This development is viewed positively from an anti-fascist perspective as it reinforces the importance of strong labor rights.

GM, UAW reach tentative agreement to end labor strike

GM's swift response to allegations of child labour by reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy and outlining strict supplier guidelines reflects a strong commitment to ethical supply chain practices and human rights. This proactive stance is a positive measure in ensuring compliance with internationally recognized labor standards.

Response from General Motors to allegations of child labour in its supply chain

GM’s strategy to reduce regulatory constraints by lobbying for weaker clean vehicle standards illustrates an element of regulatory capture, wherein corporate action subverts public interest and effective governance. This undermines democratic accountability in policy-making.

Increasing Number of Investors Demand Lobbying Disclosure from General Motors, Voicing Concern Over Misalignment

By hiring Eric Feldman—a seasoned Democratic lobbyist with extensive experience in federal affairs and progressive policy formulation—GM is demonstrating a commitment to engaging with democratic institutions and supporting policies that align with anti-authoritarian, pro-democratic values. This move counters fascist influences by reinforcing progressive political engagement at the executive level.

GM hires new top Democratic lobbyist

GM’s decision to intervene in litigation aimed at revoking state authority, and its refusal to join the California compromise agreement, demonstrate efforts to avoid regulatory accountability and shape favorable legal outcomes. This conduct is indicative of regulatory capture, undermining transparent governance and public oversight.

Statement by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer on General Motors Lobbying Disclosure Vote

General Motors' swift and firm response to allegations of child labour demonstrates a commitment to ethical supply chain practices. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, GM's zero-tolerance policy and measures to investigate and, if necessary, sever ties with non-compliant suppliers mitigate the risk of complicity in human rights abuses. This proactive approach in upholding supply chain ethics supports broader business practices and ethical responsibility, earning a positive score.

Response from General Motors to allegations of child labour in its supply chain

GM's prompt and decisive action to investigate and enforce its zero-tolerance policy regarding child labour in its supply chain demonstrates a commitment to ethical sourcing and human rights. By activating its Supplier Code of Conduct and expecting suppliers to enforce age verification in line with ILO standards, the company is taking meaningful steps to address potential human rights violations.

Response from General Motors to allegations of child labour in its supply chain

By leading the industry in lobbying expenditure at $14.3 million and increasing its lobbying budget by 10% compared to 2021, General Motors is strengthening its capacity to influence regulatory and legislative outcomes. This significant political expenditure can be seen as an effort to secure favorable policies that may entrench corporate power, aligning with behaviors that undermine democratic accountability and potentially entrench authoritarian influences.

With money on the line, automakers amped up lobbying - The Detroit News

GM's decision to resume donations to Republican lawmakers who opposed the certification of President Biden's election demonstrates a political contribution strategy that aligns with anti-democratic and authoritarian-leaning behavior. This action has been criticized by progressive groups like MoveOn.org as it supports members who have taken stands contrary to upholding democratic processes.

GM Criticized for Restarting Donations to Election Certification Opponents

GM's donation of $47,000 to lawmakers who voted against certifying the 2020 election results demonstrates a troubling alignment with political figures who have undermined democratic processes, particularly in the wake of the January 6 insurrection. This action, critiqued by a progressive PAC for effectively endorsing anti-democratic behavior, contributes to a negative impact score in the realm of political contributions and lobbying efforts.

PAC targets GM for giving to Republicans who voted to overturn election

General Motors’ Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement illustrates a proactive approach to supply chain ethics by requiring that suppliers adhere to strict anti-forced labor policies and providing training on human trafficking risks. The initiative, which includes contractual provisions and industry collaboration via AIAG, signifies a positive effort in ensuring ethical sourcing. However, the lack of robust third-party audits and verification processes limits the overall effectiveness of these measures, indicating room for improvement.

General Motors Company Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

General Motors' failure during contract negotiations, as evidenced by the strike involving 49,000 workers demanding better wages, improved health insurance, and job security, indicates a disregard for labor rights. The company's offer, which was seen as insufficient and exploitative, reflects broader issues in its business practices that negatively affect workers and contribute to systemic inequality, aligning with concerns over corporate complicity in oppressive structures.

USA: 49,000 General Motors workers strike over failed contract negotiations covering wages, health insurance & prevention of plant closures; Includes comments from General Motors

By resuming political contributions, GM is re-entering the arena of corporate political influence. The donation of $90,500 to various candidates indicates a calculated move to shape legislative outcomes, which may undermine democratic accountability. Although the contributions are spread across candidates from both major parties, the act reinforces the use of corporate financial power to sway political decisions, raising concerns from an anti-fascist and pro-worker perspective.

General Motors Resumes Political Contributions - Fox News