U.S. Automakers Agree To Give Benefits To Same-Sex Partners

Jet, June 26, 2000

The three largest American automakers recently announced that they will extend health care benefits to the partners of gay employees at the companies.

The announcement from General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler AG covers about 465,000 employees.

The companies said they decided to extend health benefits to the same-sex domestic partners of employees after agreeing to study the issue as part of new contracts made with the United Auto Workers last fall.

Starting Aug. 1, employees can apply to get medical, dental and prescription benefits for their same-sex partners.

The programs do not cover current retirees, but current workers and their partners who get the benefits will keep them after retirement.

The automakers said the benefits are a low-cost way to lure new employees in a tight labor market.

Ford Motor Co. expects about 1 percent of its 159,000 salaried and hourly U. S. employees to take advantage of the benefits. At GM, the benefits will be offered to 152,000 hourly employees and 54,000 salaried employees. Chrysler will offer the benefits to 71,200 hourly workers and 29,000 salaried employees.